With Easter, I've been thinking a lot about the resurrection of Christ and really feeling more and more amazed at the wholeness of it all. That everyone will be resurrected and fully restored. This whole cancer thing and upcoming amputation has brought it even more into focus for me. I was reading my the Book of Mormon the other night in Alma 11:43-44 says,
"The spirit and the body shall be reunited again in its perfect form; both limb and joint shall be restored to its proper frame, even as we now are at this time. . .Now this restoration shall come to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, both the wicked and the righteous; and even there shall not so much as a hair of their heads be lost; but every thing shall be restored to its perfect frame. . . and be arraigned before the bar of Christ the Son, and God the Father, and the Holy Spirit, which is one Eternal God, to be judged according to their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil."
Limb, joint, hair!? I read it and felt it was meant for me and for Steven. It does help to know that this is all temporary and someday Christ will restore it all. But even still, it isn't an easy thing. I will think about the loss of his knee and get very choked up sometimes. Other times I am counting down the days until we can get that cancer out of his body and keep moving on. One afternoon, Steven and I obsessively watched YouTube videos of kids with a rotationplasty and we were feeling pumped. Look at what they can do! Look at how they are walking! Tonight I was talking about the surgery with him and he said, "Boy, I'm sure going to look different."
It looks like the surgery will likely take place on May 10, but I will keep you posted as the details become more clear. I'm not exactly sure how to prepare for such a life changing event. Ready or not, it will happen and somehow we will make it through.
awesome scripture and awesome attitude! inspiring. we love you!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you were able to get away for a few days. I thought about you and Steven a lot today as I reflected on the atonement and how somehow, Christ felt how you feel watching your son battle cancer, and somehow Christ knew how a 9 year old boy would feel with osteosarcoma. What an inspiring family you are. We continue to pray for each one of you.
ReplyDeleteYou'll make it through the way you always have. The way you made it through things on your mission, the way you've made it through things in college, the way you've made it through the ordeal so far.
ReplyDeleteSonja,
ReplyDeleteI've been reading your blog and sharing it with my Joseph, who still remembers playing soccer with Steven in Ohio. I just want you to know that you, Steven, and your whole family are very much in our thoughts and prayers.
Becky
Because of Stephen and Alisa (and a few others in my life at this time) Easter (and the promise of the resurrection) has been more meaningful this year for me too. I can't imagine dealing with some of these trials, but I really can't imagine it without the knowledge of the gospel and what we know is true. Thanks for sharing your thoughts Sonja. We'll be praying extra hard for you this coming month with the surgery coming up.
ReplyDeleteSonja,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your experiences. Steven is always in our prayers.
Sonja and Steven it is a life changing event. But you stated it correctly the cancer will be gone Steven will become stronger and healthier as time goes on. Will there be some bumps yes and they to will pass. Lets look in the future where this procedure will allow Steven to play and do all the things that 9 year oldsa can do. I as Steven will look forward to that day of resurrection so that we will be whole once again. And remember that Christ suffered for all our pains and afflictions and that he will not let us suffer more than we can endure. I think the future for young Steven looks great and that Heavenly Father needs him to accomplish some great work here on this earth. Remember "Failure Is Not An Option". We love you and our prayers are always with you.
ReplyDeleteUncle Ralph and Family
I thought about this scripture all night. I would wake up with the baby and just stay up thinking about it. I'm glad you shared it. You and Rob and Steven are amazing. If anyone can make it through, it is you!
ReplyDeleteI am sitting here crying after reading that scripture. I've read it dozens of times and never cried. Funny how life changes and things take on new meanings. We love you, Steven!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the inspirational thoughts on Easter, the Attonment, and the progress of a remarkable young boy. Kirt and I are keeping very close tabs on you guys and what's going on in Steven's battle against cancer, we wouldn't be able to without this blog, it has been an inspiration to say the least, our hearts and prayers go with Steven and the family as the battle continues...may the good guys win :)
ReplyDeleteWow, love it!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a beautiful scripture. I'm glad it has been able to bring some comfort to you. Thanks for your updates. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
ReplyDeleteScriptures can become beacons of light~ thank you for your insights! I love Steven's faith and how when he is asked "Wilt thou be made whole" he answers with a resounding yes! No excuses, just pure faith. What a beautiful thing to witness. We love you so and continually pray that the peace of Christ will carry you through this trial.
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