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I've been reflecting the last few weeks - quite a bit actually - about many things going on in our lives. Particularly the "next steps" the Lord is taking our family. For almost a year and a half we've been through a trial that was unimaginable. But through that trial we've seen our lives change through God's grace that would not have otherwise been accomplished. And the touching part to me is how many lives have likewise been touched through this journey. It might sound strange, but my spirit is often quieted by the thought that the Lord may have used what we've gone through with Ethan to help encourage someone else in a similar or possibly even completely different trial in their own lives. And I can easily tear up thinking about you dear families who have taught your children to pray for "baby Ethan". What must it be like for Jesus to see the innocence of a child praying for another child, that they probably will never meet this side of heaven.

I truly can't thank you enough for such a gift.

I started this blog in April of 2008 as a place where I could update family and friends about the ever-changing information we were getting about Ethan's cancer diagnosis. And through this medium, my life has forever been changed by the kindness and generosity of so many. You've encouraged us time and time again. Your prayers, your notes, your gifts... simply put, your thoughtfulness towards us, through Christ, has made a lasting impact on us and I look forward to the day to share it all with Ethan. To tell him the wonders of his life. The sweet baby who touched even strangers in ways that caused them to pray for him every day. The full story of the never-ending miracle.

I look forward to the day he knows the love and grace of the Lord. And the answered prayers He's poured out, continuously, on Ethan's life.

Tomorrow marks the one year anniversary since Ethan was admitted to Boston Children's Hospital for his bone marrow transplant, after months and months of chemo here in Connecticut. And I've been debating/thinking/praying about what the Lord would have me do with this blog. It's been very hard for me to transition out of this mindset of "but what if"... but I feel it's time that I move fully and whole-heartedly into such transition. I've not wanted to let go of Ethan's blog for fear that if his cancer were to return, I'd lose all my lovely followers and their generous prayers over his life. But, as odd as this may sound, I think it's the final step of faith I need to take regarding Ethan's healing. I need to be willing to have no other crutch, other than dependency on God. Standing fully on His promise....

Ethan's transplant actually took place on August 12, and in nine days we will be celebrating the one year anniversary of that blessed day. The day my baby's cancer-ridden blood was replaced by the miraculous life-giving blood of a donor. I believe that will be the last post I make here. It will be an emotional one for me, that's for sure! Much like this one. But it will be a beautiful close and tribute to Ethan's miracle, God's power, and your kindness.

I don't want to erase the site, because I want it to be an on-going encouragement however God sees fit. We get "google" hits all the time for people searching for "prayers for baby boys" or "children with cancer", so I want the message of our miracle to continue to share the Lord's grace. And I'm very excited about what I found on http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/. Through that fantastic website, I can turn my blog into a book/journal form so that I can keep it in a tangible way and give it to Ethan to read one day. As well as continue to read and re-read over the years, myself!

I have more to say, but I'll save it for next time. Ironically, Ethan's next doctor's appointment in Boston is tomorrow - the anniversary of his admission date last year - I would love your prayers for yet another good report! It's amazing to us how well Ethan continues to do. He's a beautiful, smart, energetic boy. Our blessing in ever sense of the word.

My cup runneth over, indeed.

...... And the child grew, and the Lord blessed him.

Judges 13:24