Yesterday I went to visit my friend Jana and her little 4 year old boy Ben, who is being treated for cancer. A few months ago Ben blacked out at home and was life flighted to Primary Children's Medical Center where they found a tumor in his brain. After a long fight on the operating table the doctors were able to remove the tumor, but Ben is having to learn most things all over again. He can move a bit, but can't talk, eat, or walk. He communitcates with a thumbs up when he needs to. He has now started his cancer treatments. He's lost his hair and is very sick. His mom and dad are doing a wonderful job caring for him and giving him all the love he needs to get well. We pray for them everyday.
Visiting Ben was just what I needed. Thank you Ben (and Jana) for the healthy dose of perspective you offered me. Thanks Ben for your smiles and for being such a fighter. And Jana, for enduring this trial with such grace.
In light of my last post, all about the boys and their shenanigans, and my subsequent visit with Ben, let's just say that I'm happy that my boys can still do all of the terrible things they do. Of course I'm not excusing bad behavior and they should be choosing the right a little more often, but at least they can take bites out of every apple in the box and run to the neighbors for the gas can. I'm sure Jana would love for Ben to be getting into little boy mischeif. Sometimes I take so much for granted, not appreciating what is going right in my life. I get so wrapped up in trivial things. I want to do better at remembering what is important, embracing and being grateful for what I have. I found myself hugging my boys a little tighter today, being a little more patient. Enjoying them more. I want that to last.
Just minutes before Ben was life flighted to the hospital he was in Primary, a brand new Sunbeam, singing Once There was A Snowman with me at the top of his lungs. He was so carried away in the song that he couldn't stay with the rest of his class and was right at my feet, staring up into my face with a huge grin. Yesterday I sang that song with him again and he was grinning just as big. Thanks again Ben and family, for the inspiration.
9 comments:
Thank you for sharing...it's always good to share those perspectives, and it seems like I've been getting good doses of it lately!
what a brave little man. thanks jill. i think we all need reminders.
Thanks for the reminder Jill. Things get hard, but there is always something to be grateful for right?? My brothers were telling me this story, and I was so sad, it's too young to be sick!
Yeah for you Ben!I hope you get better (even though I don't know you. YOu are nice to do that Jill.
What a good reminder of so many things I have to be grateful for. I pray that all goes well for Ben and his family.
Thanks for reminding all of us what's most important in life. Ben's spirit sure does radiate our Savior's love for all of us. Jana is a great example to all of us on how to handle trials in our life. Jill you have such a powerful impact on so many. Thanks for being you.
Thanks Jill for the reminder, I love you and miss you and can;t wait to see you soon. I am so sorry about Ben, and Jana, that is too bad. Your boys are funny adn so is Kate,
Mels
Wow, yes. When Simon was in the hospital I just wanted to be able to hold him without tubes sticking out of him. And for all of us to sleep in the same house at night. Those were the only two things that I wanted. One time I went to Provo to say goodbye to some friends who were moving. I saw my friends little boy walking around in the living room and it just made me so so sad. I thought how she probably had no idea how lucky she was to have a healthy little boy walking around their living room while my son was so sick in the hospital. We have so much to be grateful for- both little and big.
Beautifully written. thank you for sharing your perspective - a good reminder for each of us. Best wishes to Ben and family.
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