Lessons From a Six Year Old Super Hero

I knew when we received the Cancer diagnosis that our lives would change immediately. Nothing would be the same. I knew we were in for the fight of our lives. I knew that there would be days that would be so painful they would require more strength than I had in me. I was in shock, and I was afraid.

What I did not know was that this little six year old boy, fighting with all he has, would teach me so much. So many lessons in love, hope, strength, compassion, and endurance.

First lesson was that I too easily get caught up in the world and what happens politcally. The doctors found Ryan's tumor on election day last fall, and I so quickly learned that there are so many more important things than who is president. I was one to watch the news every day, several times a day. I have learned that I can not make much difference in the state of our nation, but I can make a difference in the life of  one little boy.

Next lesson is that, when you begin to focus on someone else and helping them with their trials, you quickly forget about your own. If you ever begin to feel down in the dumps and feel like your situation is hopeless... visit and volunteer at a children's hospital. The strength and joy you can see in these kids, even though they are fighting against all odds, is nothing short of amazing and so inspirational. It breaks my heart every time we go to Primary Children Medical Center to see so many children that are sick and hurting.. but it also fills me with determination to keep fighting.  Who am I to complain of anything in my life when I see these small kids stay positive and upbeat when they are literally fighting for their lives?

I have learned that there are so many kind and loving people in this world. Ryan has touched the lives of so many that we have never met, yet we have come to love as family. He shows all of us that there are heroes in this world, and they are not actors, nor sports figures, nor celebrities of any sort. They are the kids like Ryan that fight every day, they are the men and women that CARE and do whatever they can to bring awareness, or a smile to the kids that are fighting.

I have learned to depend more on God... to turn to Him and trust in Him that everything that happens in our journey will be good, no matter what.  I am learning that true Faith is not in claiming the miracle.... it is knowing that God has this, and He will use our fight for His glory. I have learned that God does, indeed, grant miracles... and there have been many we have received thus far.... but that it is God's will that be done, not ours.

Another lesson is that I can NEVER take any thing for granted. I can not get so busy and wrapped up in my own issues that I fail to see the small blessings we receive every day. I no longer let the little things in life go by without stopping to appreciate them.  Memories are made each day, and I am learning to cherish them. Seeing Ryan and his sister playing a game and laughing... Telling a joke and laughing together.... holding Ryan's hand each night and singing to him while he goes to sleep.... and so many, many more.

I have learned to take things a day at a time, sometimes an hour at a time. I do not know where we will be tomorrow in this journey, all I  have for certain is RIGHT NOW. The best thing I can do for Ryan is to live each day as fully as possible. To make every day special... to appreciate the things that each day brings. Look for the butterflies, smell the flowers, delight in the rain storms, marvel at the sunsets. Appreciate LIFE!

Nothing in our lives will ever be the same as it was BEFORE CANCER..... but that does not mean it can not be better. We are better people for this trail, we are stronger, and more caring. I have learned that every person we come across has a story.... they have the issues in their own lives that they are fighting. I have learned to slow down, to listen to someone share their trials, to try to understand and to care.

I have learned that the prayers of many can overcome so much, and I have learned to reach out for those prayers. The love and support and prayers from all of you that follow our story mean so much to us, I can never begin to express our gratitude to each of you.  Please know that our load is lightened by knowing that you do care, you do love us.

Thank you, Ryan... for the boy you are. And thank you for letting me share this journey with  you. Thank you for the lessons you have taught me, my little super hero.

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