Miracles in the Modern World--read on

This post is in reference to my post from a couple weeks ago called, "One Phone Call From Your Knees."

Earlier this month after a bone biopsy, my step dad, after a lengthy 2 1/2 months of tests, was diagnosed with a malignant cancer in the plasma cells of his bones called multiple myeloma. Afterward they ran a few more tests to solidify the diagnosis that was apparent to the pathologists who looked at his sample. However, these other tests were all coming back normal. The doctors were baffled and finally sent his records to the University of Michigan to have other cancer specialist pathologists review his reports. Yesterday Mom and Marc met with a doctor to discuss the next steps and Michigan's findings. When the doctor came in he said, "Sorry to keep you waiting I just wanted to be sure before I came in here. Marc you don't have cancer." Yes, you read that correctly, he doesn't have cancer! Then he went through, step by step, each test that was performed and explained why this is the case. His influx of plasma cells were all mature cells. Cancer cells are not. These cells are there to fight off this terrible spinal infection but they are in no way cancer cells. Of this, he is sure. So, how do we explain this change of diagnosis?

It would be easy to justify this away and not give credit where credit is due. This, my friends, we believe is a miracle. Our prayers were heard and were answered. I try to steer clear of religion on my blog but this is worthy of a post. Miracles come in all forms. We can try to explain it away if we want but we are content to thank everyone for their help/support and marvel in the fact that God is good and miracles can and do still happen. Today, in our family, Marc no longer has a diagnosis of cancer.

Sometimes we are given adversity so God can see how others will respond. Will they turn their backs or will they reach out in empathy? In a world becoming increasingly void of such emotions, it's vital that we move out of our comfort zone and try to help those around us. Marc experienced this kind of help. Thoughts and prayers from people he has never met and who don't know him. Advice and encouraging words from strangers and friends alike. Generous financial offerings to help pay for expensive cancer treatments. People who epitomize the definition of charity--a Christ-like love. Many of you who read this blog fall into one of these categories. For that, my family and I thank you. I think it's also important to note that all our prayers are heard but sometimes they aren't answered the way we want them to be. It's hard to understand God's reasoning for this, but we have to believe that there is a reason and even if our prayers aren't answered just the way we think they should be doesn't mean God has forgotten you. That can't happen anymore than you can forget about your own children. It's just not possible.

This evening we drove to my mom's and Marc's town (about an hour away) and celebrated at Red Robin. Before the pictures commence, I want to share a scripture from Psalms that my dear friend Wendy from Candy Hearts shared with me today. And I do want to add that miracles don't have to be huge, earth shattering events. They can be anything. Take a moment to examine your life and know that you experience them too. We just have to look.

Psalms 66:19 & 20--"But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me." King James Version

~Us at Red Robin.

~Marc and my little neice Ashlyn...a 23 month old fiesty little cutie who always makes me smile.
~Marc and his granddaughters--my girls love their Grandpa Marc and both started crying when I told them Grandpa doesn't have cancer. Later Sydney asked, "Mom, maybe if we pray hard our baby will be born healthy and won't have to be in the NICU." I said it's sure worth a try. :-)

We love you Marc. Thanks for all you have done for us and God Bless!