Prayers For Rhett

Rhett on his 2nd birthday. Enjoying one of his favorite breakfasts, toast with strawberry jam.

Many of you know by now, but our family's world was shaken up this last week when we found out our 2 year old nephew has cancer.  He went into the hospital last week after being sick for a while, he had an MRI, and it was discovered that he had a brain tumor.  The doctors did surgery and were able to remove about 85% of the tumor.  Of course, brain tumors are never good, but the news got even worse; a few days later his pathology report came back and he was diagnosed with a very rare and very aggressive cancer.  Our family has been heartbroken since hearing this diagnosis.  Rhett is the youngest son of my sister, Nicole (she has three boys), and he is only three months younger than Mitchell; she and I were pregnant at the same time with our boys.  Because of how close in age they are, I always pictured Mitchell and Rhett growing up as the closest of cousins.  I pray they still will.  Cancer is the worst, isn't it?!?!!!  I know there are others in our family struggling with cancer as well.  Our hearts and prayers are with Rhett, Chris's grandpa Swisher, Uncle Bobby, and many more.  Receiving news like this makes you realize what is truly important in life:  God, faith, family, health, spending time with your loved ones, cherishing all the hugs and kisses from your little ones, enjoying all the good and laughable moments in life, etc.  Rhett started chemotherapy this week, and after three rounds, the doctors will reevaluate his case and see if the treatment is working.  If not, they fear his young and little body will not be able to take much more and they will probably cease treatment.  If it does work, God willing, then he stands a fighting chance of beating this thing.  He has one shot at this, and we're all praying for a miracle.  God is good.  Despite all the tears this last week, our family has felt God's angels watching over Rhett.  My sister Nicole has commented several times how she has felt God's love and comfort daily while dealing with this heartache.  We don't know why he or others in our family have to go through this struggle in life, but we know God has a plan for everyone and He sees the bigger picture in all things.  We don't know what the future holds for Rhett, but we're pleading for a miracle.  I have cried so many tears lately: tears of sorrow for Rhett, tears of heartbreak for my sister and her family, and tears of gratitude for our healthy son.  The doctors throw numbers and statistics at you, and while none of them are looking that good in his favor, we know God has the power to do all things.  Thank you to all of you who have offered your love, support, prayers, and concern on Rhett's behalf.  Please keep them coming!!  We are all still hoping and praying for the best; for Rhett and all others in the family suffering right now.  We love you all.    

Last summer my sisters came to visit us in Idaho, and Rhett and Mitchell had the best time together.  Haha, well most of their time was spent competing with each other.  But that's what boys do, right? Lol.  They are both around the age of one in this video.  We are praying to have many more fun, adorable, playful, and even competing moments like this in their future together.  We love you Rhett!!