Brain Day - It's been 3 years

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Nov 5th, 2008 - moments before surgery #1

October 2011 - Liam being Liam

There will never be words to describe how grateful I am for all the God has done on our behalf.  His faithfulness is never ever ending. 

Oncology Clinic and Liam's MRI Results

We headed off to MacKids today to the oncology clinic.  This is the place where Liam will be followed for the rest of his life.  The team met with us today to explain what had been found on Liam's MRI and why more follow-up was needed.  They showed us the MRI scan that had attracted the concern of the  radiologist.  There was a mark on Liam's right frontal lobe.  It was plain enough that Jason and I could see it clearly and it was definitely in the shape of a rectangle.  So his team feels strongly that it is not another tumour.  Tumours grow in circles, ovals, and sort of spread out finger like shapes but not rectangles.  They believe that it is scar tissue from where one of the forceps was holding his brain back during one or both of the surgeries. 

Dr. Singh was there today and she spent extra time with us to make sure that we felt comfortable.  She explained that sometimes when the surgery is so long (as in Liam's case) the blood flow is cut off from parts of the brain tissue where they have clamps and slight scars can develop on the brain tissue.  The MRI image slides are taken every 5mm through Liam's brain.  The mark is on only one slide. So you can't see anything 5mm above or below it.  This is another one of the reasons that they feel it not the sign of tumour.  The final reason that they feel there is no cause for concern is that this is the first time that Liam has had scans from the new MRI machine that he helped raise money for.  This machine is phenomenal and the imaging is so much clearer that the mark has probably always been there but they were never able to see it with the old machine.  Just as a precautionary measure they are going to do another MRI in six months instead of a year.  So Liam is not happy about that as this will mean more needles six months sooner but both Jason and I feel good that they are just going to make sure.

We did have some other good news.  Liam's right ventricle that has been enlarged since the surgery still has not changed.  So it is still enlarged but it isn't any bigger than it was after surgery and so no change is actually good news because it doesn't seem to be causing him any problems.  So this means that it will probably stay this way and he will have one enlarged ventricle for the rest of his life.  As long as it doesn't cause any issues we are thankful!  This is another one of God's miracles as most patients with Liam's type of tumour end up having to have a shunt implanted because their ventricle enlarges and causes pressure in the brain because they don't drain properly.  And although they are not sure why his ventricle seems to be draining properly and not causing any pressure in Liam's brain.  Praise the Lord! We are truly amazed at all the ways God continues to have His hand on Liam's health.

They did a full physical exam of Liam and actually enrolled him in a fitness study for post-op brain tumour patient survivors.  He is excited about this opportunity as he will get to participate in a body composition and lung function assessment, muscle power test, aerobic fitness test, motor skills test and he will get to wear a pager like device for a week that monitors his physical activity.  All of this information will be used to develop physical activities opportunities designed to improve the health of children recovering from brain tumours.

We were able to tell Dr. Singh and the team that we are moving to Hamilton and that we are looking forward to being closer to MacKids.  Hopefully, there will be more opportunities to strengthen the  relationships that we have developed with some of Liam's caregivers.   They are a fantastic group of people!

No matter what happens when we are at the clinic, I always come away being so thankful for all the God has done.  Our journey has been relatively easy compared to some of the difficulties that we see for many other families at the clinic.  Most of all, I come away feeling compelled to help those that are walking this difficult journey without knowing the love of Jesus.  I can't even begin to imagine what it is like.  Thank-you to all those who continue to pray so faithfully for Liam's health and our family.  We can't even begin to express how much it means to us.

"O for Grace to Trust Him More!"

When we found out over two and half years ago that Liam had a tumour I felt blindsided.  I had no idea, there was no warning, no signs of the storm that would engulf our lives.  I had always thought that one of the hardest things during that time was to go almost instantly from our lives in calm waters to crashing waves that were overflowing our boat.

Today, I am thinking about the story in the book of Mark chapter 4, verses 36-40.  I wonder what the disciples saw when their boat was engulfed in raging seas and Jesus slept.  When was the exact moment that they knew that something wasn't quite right.  Did they see the clouds gathering?  Did they begin to prepare? Did they talk amongst themselves about what to do? And after the miracles they had witnessed and the way that Jesus cared for them and taught them why were they afraid?

The last few days I have had moments of being afraid.  I didn't want to be, but it was hard not to worry about the storm clouds that I thought were approaching.  I recently read the story about the disciples and wondered "Why would they be afraid when they had Jesus right in the boat?"  It is funny how God teaches us things when we least expect it.  I have been blessed over the past week to be able to spend some time recounting all the things that God did for our family while Liam was sick and what He continues to do.  I have been amazed by the stories once again.  Yet, knowing all that and having it fresh in my mind, there has still been a pit in my stomach the last few days.  I have let my mind ask, "What if?"  This time I was seeing clouds in the distance.  I thought a storm was gathering and yet we were unable to stop it.   I had begun to worry about the unknown of the next few days.  I have been very much like the disciples.  I know Jesus is right in my boat and I have seen Him do amazing things even in the toughest situations and yet I found myself fearful of what might happen next for Liam and for our family.   

There was something that was not normal on Liam's latest MRI scan that he had on February 6th.  When we arrived home on Saturday night from our mission trip there was a message that they wanted to move up Liam's appointment from March 8th to last Tuesday.  We obviously missed that appointment since we were out of the country.  We had to wait for the oncology clinic to open this morning (yesterday was a holiday) so that we could find out why they wanted to move up the date. The first person I got through to said that it wasn't a scheduling conflict but that the request had come from his doctor and that in itself made my heart skip a beat. My next call was to the nurse that Liam was assigned when he first started his follow-up care.  I had to leave a message and wait for her to call back.
She called this afternoon to let me know that, yes, something had showed up on Liam's MRI and that is why they wanted to see him early.  The good news is that they already think they have figured out what that something is.  The initial call was made because they thought his tumour was growing back.  This is my worst fear.  Since that time, his surgeon Dr. Singh, along with everyone else on Liam's health care team have looked at the scans and they believe what is showing up is actually a mark left on his brain from the forceps during the original surgeries.  So they are still being very cautious and they want to see him next week to do a whole physical workup and will probably do another MRI now, or in six months, instead of waiting a year  - but I can breath again.

So what have I learned?  I have learned all over again that God is gracious and faithful even when I am fearful.  I have learned that I am still able to praise Him with my whole heart even when I am unsure of what might be coming. I have learned that it is just as hard to see the storm coming and to trust God in spite of it's presence on the horizon then to be caught up in storm without warning. I have again learned more about God's character these past few days and I have learned that I still have much to learn about my own.  "O for grace to trust Him more."

Another MRI for Liam

Liam has an MRI scheduled for tomorrow morning at MacKids.  He is now on a one year protocol for his treatment so the MRI is just to make sure that there is no change to the tumour site in his brain and that the tumour is not growing back.  I have no reason to be nervous or worried that anything will be wrong and yet I can't seem to settle down tonight.   Grrrr.  I hate that.

Liam really dislikes needles now and he has to have an IV put in tomorrow.  He is nervous about that.  He has also been working at me to take him to the West End on Locke Street as they serve a triple decker grilled cheese with bacon.  Not exactly a healthy choice for lunch but he thinks it is special occasion because he has to live through another IV.  Oh he knows how to manipulate his momma.

We don't find out the results until we go back to neuro-oncology clinic which is a month from now.  I know from past experience that if we don't hear from them before the clinic date then everything is fine.  If anything is wrong they call you right away.

Say a prayer for Liam and his nervous Nelly momma, that the scan will be clear and life will continue on as normal.  Well.... as normal as it ever is around the McGibbon Zoo.

Brain Tumour Free Day

Liam November 2008

It is really hard for me to believe that it has been two years.  Two years, since I kissed Liam, and held his hand while I waited for the anaesthetic to take effect so his neuro team could take out his brain tumour.  When I think of that moment, all the emotions come rushing back and my heart still starts to race.  But then I remember that Liam isn't lying in that bed anymore.  He is upstairs in his room reading, finishing school work so that he can go outside to play basketball.  I think of all of the prayers that were prayed that day and in the following days to come, as our friends and brothers and sisters in Christ (many who we have never met) covered Liam and our family in prayer for every half hour of every day that we were in the hospital.  We are truly privileged to have been able to walk that journey with all of you no matter how hard it was.

With each day that now passes I am learning to let go a little more and worry a little less.  Liam's physical health is better than we could have hoped for.  He is a little more anxious than he used to be but then again so is his momma.  We are both learning to worry less, pray more and to trust God's word and our experience with Him.  God never left us during that time.  He was there for every step when everything seemed like it was falling away, He never let us fall.  So today we celebrate.  We are one step farther into Liam's remission and one year closer to the five year mark when Doctor's will consider his surgeries a cure. So Happy Brain Tumour Free Day buddy!  What a testimony God has given you to share.  I am so proud to be your mom.

Liam climbing in the caves at Mountsberg October 2010

It Has Been A Year

It is hard for me to believe that one year ago today I was in the midst of the hardest day of my life and I was waiting. Many of you were also waiting for news from Liam's operating room. Can you believe it has really been one whole year? This photo was taken right before Liam and I went into the operating room together. As I look at it, I find it hard to believe that I did not really know how things were going to turn out that day and if I would get the same son back that I had kissed good-bye.

One year ago today on November 5th, 2008 Jason and I sat with family and friends and waited and prayed for Liam and his surgeons, and I was blessed. In the midst of this incredibly difficult time I learned more about my God. His infinite grace, His love for us, His faithfulness, His plans and how they are different from mine, and the way that He continues to work through His people. For the most part we are now on the other side of this difficult journey with Liam and looking back it is easy for me to see God's hands all over our walk in the valley.

Looking back it is quite clear to me all the moments of beauty that He designed to encourage us along the way. Looking back I don't just remember the tears and the heartache, I remember the moments when I felt God's presence through a hug, a warm meal, heartfelt prayers from people we did not know, emails of scripture and encouragement and God's church working at its best. Many of you stood in the gap for us during this time. Times when I felt all prayed out. Times when I no longer had any words to express how I was feeling. Times when I was so tired that I am sure I did not thank-you even though I was so very grateful for all you did. Times when I was so scared that even the tears would not flow. You prayed and you prayed and you prayed and God's peace overwhelmed us. Every time Satan tried to get a foothold, you prayed for us and you loved us and he was no match. As I look back it really was an incredible time that has become an important spiritual marker in my walk with Jesus. Thank-you to everyone who played a part.  God continues to be glorified in this situation, as just this week we have again been asked to speak at McMaster Children's Hopsital Event on December 2nd.  One year ago today I could have never dreamed all that our God had in store.  He truly is amazing!

 If you want to know more about Liam's journey click on Liam's health at the side of this blog under Labels and you can read all the posts about his story (it starts from the newest post so you would have to work backwards to get the story in order).  Here is a link to my first post about our journey which started July 2008.  It is called Breathe.

Liam's Health Update

We travelled back to McMaster today with cookies and a bible to get the news about Liam's latest MRI scans. Liam made the cookies for his neuronocolgy team and Dr. Singh's boys. He left the bible in the neuroncology kids waiting room with his usual note and a please pick me up sign. We were hoping that everything would be clear and Liam would not have to return for a year but although most of the news was good he is still on the six month follow-up protocol. We were a bit disappointed but I guess we just need to be patient.

The good news is that Liam's tumour is still gone. There has not been any changes or any growth in relation to the actual tumour that they removed. This really is great news and we are praising God for a clean scan in this area. There were some other changes in the scan that they would like to watch and hence Liam needs another scan in six months. They have told us not to worry but his right ventricle was slightly enlarged in this scan. This is a different development than from his last MRI so they want to monitor it. It is not enlarged enough to cause pressure on the brain or to require surgery but they want to see him again in six months. Recommendations were also made that Liam see two different specialists. A pediatric neurologist to address some involuntary motor function concerns and a pediatric opthamologist to look at his optic nerve in his right eye which apparently is an odd shape. Some of this may sound a little alarming but it really isn't and although we wanted to be on the just a yearly check-in protocol we are happy that they are keeping a close watch on Liam.

Thanks so much for all the prayer and the notes today and we will keep updating as we have more news.

Over $5,900,000 Raised for Mac Kids

It was quite a day. I have attempted to write this post a couple of times and I have had no idea how to start. So over the nest week or so I will try to write several posts about the experience. There were so many people,cameras, phones, volunteers, cables, pages of production notes, families, sponsors, activities and lights. It was overwhelming, exciting, nerve racking and fun. Our day started with special passes that labelled us as an On-Air Interview family. We were all sent to see hair and make-up. The girls and I were thrilled with all the attention and special pampering. Jason and the boys took it all in stride. Before the telethon even started Liam had rehearsals for the opening of the show and a voice-over to record. I was so nervous for him and just wanted him to have fun. He did a fantastic job. There were so many special memories packed into the six hours in which the telethon was on the air that it is hard to explain them all!

I was amazed at all the volunteers that answered phones, ran activities and crafts for all the kids, handed out passes, kept us organized and delivered us to where we were supposed to be, when we were supposed to be there. I was amazed at the families who bravely told their stories so that we could share in their journey. I rejoiced at the the amazing miracles that have occurred and I wept at the courage of young lives that were shortened too soon. I prayed for the families that were currently living in the hospital with children that were fighting illness and disease. I was astounded at the amount of caring by the doctors, nurses, social workers, support staff, hosts and the television crew itself. Many of these people could have just come and did their jobs really well and the show would still have been great. What I saw in many eyes though was an urgency, a passion to fight back the darkness that surrounds sick children and their families. I experienced compassion and empathy above and beyond what was required. It was more than a job to them and many could not contain tears of joy and sorrow as the day unfolded.

The was so many people that stood out and over the next few posts I will attempt to give you a glimpse of some. I realized that Connie Smith (one of the main hosts beside Liam in the red) did not lend her name and her talent for this show just because she was asked. I believe she did it because she generally cares about the kids and their families. There is something inside her that compelled her that day (and many other days) to give her herself away. I am not sure if I ever saw her sit down the whole day. Even when she was not on interviewing families, she was talking to them, making sure they were having a great time and calming nerves of first time telethoners. She remembered all the children's names, I mean all of them, even brothers and sisters. She amazed me.

I was reminded on telethon day that God is always working even when we may not be aware or we do not recognize His presence. Just because we don't acknowledge Him does not mean that He is not real. I saw God's fingerprints all over the people I met at the telethon, all over their stories and all over their actions. It was a humbling experience.

Mac Kids Celebration Telethon Countdown

We arrived at Mac Kids tonight and Liam was asked to participate in the cake cutting ceremony on TV. He did a great job of not cutting off any fingers during the live shot. Not one to shy away from the spotlight or yummy cakes, TJ stuck right beside him and got herself on television! She also shone a big smile and got herself the first piece of cake, even before her big brother.

We were able to meet with one of the host's Connie Smith who gave us a tour of the set for Sunday and showed us Liam's documentary. Debbie who was our director did a great job on it and we can't wait to tell her how much we like it. It was fun to watch and to see Grandma Cheryl and Grandpa Gerry and some of our Sanctuary family Will, Tania and of course the infamous Cheri! They all did a great job. The documentary will be shown three times during the telethon. It is amazing to see the way that God is still working. One of the things about our family that they have decided to emphasize is how important our faith is to us. Jason will actually get to talk live on air about this. He is being interviewed with the hospital's chaplain to talk about why this was an important part of treating Liam and how the hospital supported us as part of their "whole" patient program. We think this interview will air about 4pm around the time they will be showing Liam's documentary for second time.

Liam will be opening the telethon at 1pm and introducing the hosts Connie and Dan. He was already practicing in our family room tonight. The first interview and documentary of the afternoon will be ours and Liam and I will be interviewed live with Dr. Singh (Liam's neurosurgeon). Jason will be interviewed live about 4pm and they will show the documentary for the second time at this point. Then they will bring us on again one more time around 6:30 pm for another live interview and to show the documentary for a third and final time.

Pray for Jason, Liam and I that our time on television will be God honouring and that we will also do a good job of representing the Mac Kids. Please pray for the families that currently have a child that is hospital. It is a difficult journey and they need us to pray on their behalf. Pray for the doctors, nurses and other medical staff that work at the hospital as they give of themselves to help children. Pray that the people in our community and the surrounding area would hear about the needs at the hospital and decide to give. Pray that the fundraising goal would be met and that more kids like Liam will be helped. Pray that above all else God would be glorified in all that we say and do.

Extra Extra Read all About It!

Our phone rang early this morning. Our friend Cheri was calling to tell us that a friend of hers had called to say there was a large article about Liam in the Hamilton Spectator. We have not been able to find it online but we did get a print copy today. If I can't get it online I will post the article later.

Our local paper the Milton Champion ran Liam's story in their pages today as well.

In a few minutes we will be leaving to head off to the hospital for some pre-telethon meetings and to preview Liam's documentary. We are pretty excited but also a bit nervous as they asked us to come with our hair brushed and faces washed as they may want to put us on the 6 o'clock news. They may put the coverage on their website which you can access here.

We will let you know how it all goes later on tonight!

The Countdown is On for Celebration 2009

Only four more days until the Celebration Telethon in support of McMaster Children's Hospital. We have lots of different events and interviews etc this week so it is very exciting. This Friday there will be an article in our local paper about Liam's journey and the telethon. On Friday I will post an update with a link to the article. Friday is also the day we will get to see the documentary for the first time. We are looking forward to seeing it. We have been told that we will get a copy so we will try to see if we can post that online as well.

The whole point of the telethon is raise money for the hospital and some people have asked me how they can help. If you would like to donate online I have included the secure link to Mac Kids website below. If you would like this gift to be made in honour of Liam they will send him a card. Just email us if you do not have our address.

DONATE TO MAC KIDS

Or if you would like to become part of the Mac Kids Miracle club with a monthly donation of $18 or more then you can do so online through this secure link to Mac Kids donations below.

BECOME A MEMBER OF MAC KIDS MIRACLE CLUB

If you do not want to donate online then you can call Mac Kids the day of the telethon. As soon as we know the toll free phone number we will post it.

Remember the telethon is THIS Sunday on CHCH (also known as E! ON) from 1pm-7pm.

Keep us in your prayers over the next few days that we would be good representatives of His Kingdom where ever He leads.

Blessings.

Birthday Celebrations

We have just come back from an extended long weekend of rest up north at the McGibbon family cottage. Despite the cold ,we laughed and played in the sunshine, rested and sat around the campfire and just enjoyed being with one and other without lots of distractions. We also celebrated Liam's 9th birthday! Can you believe it! Although we tried to keep the celebrations as normal as possible I found myself at times wanting to shout. "God did it! He carried us through! We are still here as a family, facing each day as it comes. The good, the bad and more often just plain crazy. Liam is healthy and whole and nine!"

We are six months past Liam's surgeries and as I have tried to process everything that has happened I realize that I have started to worry about what might happen next. Although I did not worry when we were in the middle of the intense unknown of Liam's health issues, I have become complacent in the day to day rigors of life and I have let Satan get a foot hold to steal my joy. I need to be vigilant in remembering my spiritual markers, in remembering all that God has done. The great thing about being a Christ follower is that U-turns are not only allowed when you are on the wrong path but encouraged! So as I too look forward to another year (Liam and I share a birthday), I will be looking to remember all that God has done and to revel in the freedom of the joy that He has given.

Remember to watch for more posts about the MacKids Telethon on May 31st.

Bus Shelters and Laughter

I was out and about on Friday afternoon with Liam, Caroline and TJ in the car. As I waited at a light I looked across the street and to my surprise and utter astonishment Liam's smiling face was staring back at me from a bus shelter! The kids will tell you I was so shocked that I couldn't form any words. I just kept saying " Oh.. oh..oh..Liam" and I pointed. Liam very nonchalantly said "Oh mom is freaking out because it's my MacKid's poster". By this time the light had turned green and as I turned the corner we were all laughing so hard that I could barely drive. Good thing we only only had one block to go until our destination.

Our friend Cheri has made a game out of finding Liam on bus shelters. She even dragged her very patient husband out on a photo scavenger hunt style date to see how many they could find and take photos of in one evening. I think she said it was seven. As I said, Gerald is a very patient man!

So if you are out and about in this neck of the woods and you see a familiar face smiling back at you from a bus shelter...you are not crazy it is Liam.

Liam and his dad took this shot to commemorate the occasion.

MacKids Radiothon

Last Thursday, April 30th was the Mac Kids radiothon. It aired on several local radio stations such as K-LITE FM, TALK RADIO 820 AM and OLDIES 1150 AM and was hosted live from the children's hospital lobby. Below are some pictures. Over $225, 000 was raised for McMaster Children's hospital in just one day. The kids and I listened to almost the entire telethon as did our school for the day. We were amazed at all the stories of children just like Liam that have been treated at this amazing facility. We were very emotional, more than a few times during the day, as we listened to the different journeys as told by the children and their families. We had a brief interview that aired just before 8am. This interview was pre-recorded and we heard it for the first time on Thursday. Liam did a great job right at the end. I can't post MP3's to this site but if you follow the link below, we posted it on Jason's My Space page.

I will try to be posting more often over the next few weeks to keep you up to date!

Happy Brain Day!

Yesterday we travelled to the Neuroncology Clinic at Mac Kids for Liam's follow-up from his MRI appointment. We met a host of doctors and professionals who will be a part of Liam's follow-up care team. There was an occupational therapist, a physiotherapist, his cognitive psychologist, a child life specialist, and lots of doctors that covered everything from neurosurgery to radiation and oncology. Liam even has a nurse that will be his nurse from now until either she retires or he turns ninety-three. She is hoping to retire before he hits the old age home! She specializes in kids with brain tumours and she will be our main contact if we have any questions, problems or new symptoms etc. It was great to be able to ask all of our questions and to have everyone in the same room. What a blessing!

The news from Liam's latest MRI scan was good. In fact we thought it was great. The scan did not show any signs of the tumour at all. They were all very happy and do not feel that any other treatment for the tumour is required at this time. Liam will have to have another scan in six months and then if that one is clear then he will not have to come back for a year. Liam is still getting migraines so they decided that since there are no complications from the tumour at this time that they would refer him to a neurologist to see if we can figure out the triggers and try to prevent them from happening.

Liam also got to ask about a little bump that is on head. Dr. Gunnerson one of the neurosurgeons that had worked on Liam in November took a look. He told us the bump is from a screw in Liam's scull and won't cause any problems. It just sticks out a tiny bit.

We celebrated today. Our good friends, Heather and Brian surprised us with some "Brain cupcakes" . We sang Liam Happy Brain Day which sounded a lot like happy birthday but with a lot more laughter. It was a lot of fun. Definitely a special moment to treasure.

The chocolate cupcake crumbs and the pink brain icing that did not make it into our mouths are all cleaned up (thanks to our crazy dogs) and the kids are starting to settle down for the night, despite the sugar rush. Soon everyone will be saying their prayers before bed and our hearts are full of thanksgiving and praise for all that God has done and continues to do! May He get all the glory for Liam's amazing journey.

Happy Brain Day Liam!

Life At The Zoo

I have not had time to post in while. God continues to be faithful and our life continues to be full. We celebrated Jason's birthday by taking the kids cross country skiing at Hilton Falls. What an adventure! Jason and I snow shooed and pulled TJ on a sled and there was much laughter among the McGibbon clan. We packed some hot chocolate and snacks for ourselves and our little chickadee friends and had a short rest once we reached the falls. The kids had a great time feeding the birds, warming by the fire and sipping yummy hot chocolate. Jason and I had a great time just taking it all in. To think that a few short months ago we were at Liam's side in a hospital room and now we were watching him ski and laugh with his siblings in God's wonderful creation. We are very blessed.

One of the blessings of home school this year has been the chance that it has provided for the kids to participate in bible quizzing. They have had such a great time with their new friends and their Dad and I have been amazed at how much of God's word they have learned and memorized. The junior quiz team had their final meet this month and both Liam and Caroline did a great job with their team. Caroline decided to enter the finish the verse competition. This is set up much like a spelling bee and the kids are given the first three words of a verse and they have to figure out which one it is and finish it word for word. Caroline made it to the top nine out of about forty kids. Way to go Caroline!

A few weeks ago we filmed day number one of the two days that we have been asked to keep aside for documentary for Mac Kids Hospital. This will be shown on the telethon which is on May 31st on CHCH. Liam was a bit apprehensive as it was also the day that he had to have his follow-up MRI. Although the MRI machine itself does not hurt, Liam always has to have a needle to administer the contrast which he does not like. As usual he was a trooper and did a great job even with the camera's rolling. Our director and the film crew were really fabulous with the kids. Filming was a long day for them with lots of waiting but they did a super job. I did not get many pictures of the day as we were often on camera trying to re-enact events from when Liam was sick. Some of our friends got to come to Mac to be in the documentary, they filmed us praying on camera, our director was very interested in Liam's prayer list and the roll it played in his recovery. Liam got to see his favourite nurse again and Jason and Liam got to sing a song they wrote about our time at Mac on camera. I personally found the day a bit weird, lots of different emotions and feelings. It was quite the experience and God continues to use Liam's life in amazing ways. Next week we will go to the neuroncology clinic to find out the results of Liam's latest MRI and to hear about the next steps (if any) that are needed for his treatment. We continue to pray that the tumour has not started to grow again and that Liam will only have to be monitored and that no more treatments will be needed. We have not seen any posters of Liam out and about but we are told that we will start to see them soon. Above is a photo of Liam and Dr. Singh to advertise the telethon that is now on the Mac Kids website. We will let you know how Liam's appointment goes at Mac next week!

A Belated Happy New Year

Happy New Year! I know I am almost two weeks behind. In all fairness, last year it took me a month to write my first post of the year so things are looking up!

Life at our beloved zoo has been blissfully crazy to the point that sometimes I just laugh hysterically to myself instead of tearing out my hair. Our Christmas was wonderful. We had great celebrations with family and quiet moments with Jesus. Jason's brother Brandon and his girlfriend Nathalie got engaged just before Christmas in Switzerland while visiting her family. We are thrilled and so happy for them both. The kids are over the moon as they love Nathalie and have not really kept it a secret to Uncle Brandon that they wanted her to be their Aunt. We can't wait to celebrate with them.

We had a few hiccups over the holidays in that Trinity Joy is terrified of Santa Claus. We told her that he is not real and he is just a story book character but that did not seem to help. She would not even go in a mall until we convinced her that Santa was not there. She would start to get upset when other kids talked to her about Santa and told her that he comes in her house when she is asleep on Christmas Eve. Oh boy....there were a few tears over that one. She even told other kids that there was no Santa because her mommy said so! I am sure I am not the most popular mother on the block.

Our other little hiccup is that it has snowed. Now, I like the snow but Liam likes it more. He is driving us crazy to go tobogganing. I think he has forgotten all about his, not one, but two brain surgeries and that his bones are not yet healed. Almost everyday he tries to play let's make a deal! Although there are points where it gets a bit much, I have to admit that I even feel blessed to argue with him. I am constantly reminded of what a miracle God has allowed us to experience.

A few people have asked for an update on Liam. The truth is he is doing remarkably well. He is pretty much just the same as he was before the surgeries and his hair is growing like crazy. He started swimming lessons last week and tomorrow night he is off to his beloved basketball. He has been chosen to be the poster boy for the McMaster Children's Hospital Telethon and fundraising campaign. So if you live in the Hamilton area you are going to be seeing him on bus shelters soon! We are attending a kick-off dinner and dance next week on Thursday January 22nd. They will be introducing him there. It is suppose to be on the CHCH News at night so if you are up and want to see us in our finest make sure you tune in. The kids are all very excited as the girls have to wear dresses and the boys dress-shirts and ties. We don't have all of Liam's outfit yet but he wants to look spiffy. We did get the boys shoes at a second hand store here in town. Yeah! Liam's requirement was that the soles were good for dancing! It should be quite a night. I will take some photos and try to post the next day for all to see! Liam has to have another needle and MRI on February 6th. This one will determine the next course of action for treatment since they were unable to get all of the tumour. We are praying that everything looks good. Our appointment with oncology is on March 3rd.

Thank you to all who keep encouraging me to write and who keep checking this blog. I will endeavor to write as often as I can!

No More Stitches

He was walking so quickly beside me I had to tell him to slow down. He was excited. He wanted to show Dr. Singh how well he was doing. As we walked by the gift shop he said, " I remember that place." "They have a Christmas tree, now!" We took the stairs up to the second floor and he reminded me "We used to take these all the time before I had my surgeries. Now I can do it again." As we entered the 3F clinic the receptionist smiled. "Dr. Singh was just asking if you were here." We walked into the exam room and Liam exclaimed, "Hey, this is the first room we were ever in when we meet Dr. Singh."

So many memories came flooding back this time as we visited McMaster Children's hospital. It was neat to see that he was remembering too. It has been quite a journey. One that we will not forget and I hope that we will talk about again and again.

Our appointment with Dr. Singh was great. She removed Liam's stitches. There was 42 of them so it took a bit of time but he said it did not hurt. He asked her if he could sign up for basketball again in January. She said he could play but he has to avoid hitting his head as the bone will not fully fuse for at least three months. I want him to wear a helmet but it was decided that just the skills would be fine and to avoid the scrimmages where he could get get hit by accident. I still like the helmet idea but so far I have voted down. Dr. Singh gave us the final pathology report on Liam's tumour and it was a benign choroid plexus papilloma. There wasn't anything abnormal about the tumour so that is also good news. Liam will have another MRI in January followed by an oncology consultation at the end of January or beginning of February. It is the hope that at this consultation they will be able to tell us that no further treatment is required. Liam will then have to have a yearly MRI and check-in with Dr. Singh at the oncology clinic just to monitor the tumour remnants. It was the news that we had been praying and hoping to hear. Liam took it all in stride but I breathed a sigh of relief.

We were all excited to hear that this will not be our last visit with Dr. Singh and we will continue to have opportunities to meet with her. She went out of her way to thank Liam again for her bible and the cookies that he made her. She told us her youngest son said, "Liam is a good cooker!" We will continue to pray for her and her family. We took a picture of Liam today with Dr. Singh. We thought we would share it with all of you since so many of you have been praying for her too.

I am so very thankful tonight. Words can not express my heart. My prayers of thanksgiving are inadequate. My words of praise are not enough. I am amazed everyday at the miracle that God is working out in Liam. I wish you could watch him jogging for physio or working hard on his squats to build his strength back up. I wish you could hear him drumming, or singing his favourite Toby Mac song or hear him pray for kids that he knows are still sick. I wish you see what I see and know that you are witnessing a miracle that not even a brilliant surgeon like Dr. Singh could have predicted. We cried out to the Lord with all that we had for Liam. You lifted him in prayer. The Lord heard our sincere cries and He answered in a way that has amazed us and glorified himself. He is a mighty God and He will always answer those who earnestly seek Him.

"Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them."

Deuteronomy 4:9 (NIV)

I will not forget.

Hope

He looked at me with those big brown eyes and said, "We have been through a lot, you and Dad and I and God." It was one of those times when I wonder looking back if I should have said something. Maybe I should have tried to explain why that happens sometimes or asked him how he felt about it. But there was something in the way he said it. It was not a question, it was said without bitterness or sadness or regret. It simply was. The statement is so much wiser than his eight little years. He was right, we had been through a lot but he recognized that God had been right there too. Liam never faltered that God loved him, wanted the best for him and that with Him there was our hope.

Today, is the first Sunday of Advent. It is the day my dad puts on his outdoor Christmas lights, the day we start to sing Christmas songs at our Sunday service and the day we light the first candle on our advent wreath. There are many traditions that we as a family have developed and participate in around Christmas time.

This time and my conversation with Liam has reminded me of how important it is to cherish God in all that we do. Not so long ago, my wonderful husband bought me a book that was written about just that purpose. The book is called "Treasuring God in Our Traditions". I loved the book and Noel Piper, who is the author does a great job of helping the reader cast their own vision for a God-centered home and family. In her chapter that is specifically about Christmas, she poses some questions that I have been pondering this afternoon.

"Do others see why we celebrate? How will our home look if our celebration is a picture of anticipation and waiting for God's plan to be completed, a picture of joy in the salvation he has begun for us? What visible things will fill our house as we celebrate what God has done through Jesus?"

They are the type of questions that can be skimmed over easily, but if you really think about them, they are are the questions that can make you stop and honestly ask, Hmm. How does our house look different? Do our children notice a difference? Can they tell that God is being cherished. That He is our treasure. Our hope?

Today's advent candle was the candle of hope. As we lit the candle we were guided to remember the hope we have in Christ. Our friends, Shelly and Patrick and their beautiful daughter Taylor lit the candle today at church. They read "Hope is like a light shining in a dark place. As we look at the light of this candle we celebrate the hope we have in Jesus Christ." I want our house to be a light shining in our dark neighbourhood. I want this Christmas season to be a reflection of who we are, of who created and now sustains us. I want those who love us to know that we have been through a lot and God never left our side and He is our hope.

Everyday for the rest of this season I will be reading, praying and sharing what God is continuing to teach me about the season of Advent and Christmas.

A Post From Liam

Life since we have been home has been busy with our usual craziness and Liam's continued care of physio and rest. Thanks to everyone who has been sending comments, notes, meals and their love. Liam wanted to let you know how he is doing so the rest of this post is dictated from him.

Hi everybody it is Liam. I am feeling better and getting stronger everyday. My head still jiggles with fluid and I have been bugging my mom by making it jiggle. She does not like this. Today, I went back to McMaster Children's hospital. I took another bible to the 3F clinic to leave in the waiting room because the last one I put there is gone! Yeah! Please pray with me that someone takes this one too. I also brought a special Life Application Bible for Dr. Singh. I wrote in the bible a note for her and I marked a special passage that reminds me of my surgery. I read her this passage from Mark 8:22-25,

"They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man's eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, "Do you see anything?" He looked up and said, "I see people; they look like trees walking around." Once more Jesus put his hands on the man's eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly."

I told her this reminded me that sometimes Jesus takes two times for stuff to get fixed. Jesus never says why that happens. Dr. Singh said she was going to photocopy the passage and post it in her office to remind her. Please pray that she will read more of the bible than just the part I showed her. I also gave her a batch of chocolate chip cookies that I baked with my dad and my brother and sister.

Dr. Singh said my head looked good and they did not have to take a needle and drain it again like they did last Friday. She decided to keep in my stitches until next Tuesday. I don't have to wear my big bandage around my head anymore and I am excited!

Thanks for commenting, my mom and dad show me what everyone says. Have a great day!