Please say a prayer for Aidan today

"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." - Mark 11:24

I was brought to tears this morning when I read Aidan's CaringBridge blog. Aidan's Mom, Michele, wrote a beautiful entry, and I'd like to share it with you.

Tonight we lit a beautiful paper lantern that our neighbor gave to us. It's hard to describe, absolutely beautiful, completely biodegradable and we said our prayers and then lifted them up to God. It flew so high, so far and even when the flame went out, it drifted. We never saw it come down. We told Aidan that the prayers went directly to God. We pray that God hears our prayers - all of our prayers and all of your prayers.

Two days ago Aidan was napping when we were collecting stem cells. I cried and then I decided to write. Here is what I wrote.

Here is what I have learned about Aidan today... he is stronger than I ever imagined and will teach me new things everyday if I watch and listen. Here is what I have learned about life... let little things go, play, focus, be thankful, forgive, pray, that there is more kindness and good in this world than bad, enjoy moments, and don't be confused about what is really a problem. On March 17, 2010 I was annoyed that I had two flat tires in the SUV in the airport parking garage after picking up my Mom for a visit. On March 18, Aidan complained of a "weak leg." On March 19, he was at the first orthopedist. Two months, two different orthopedists, several trips to our pediatrician and two infectious disease doctors, a few trips to the emergency room and rheumatologist and we learned the hard way about the things that truly deserve our attention. I don't want to minimize anyone's worries. Your worries are your worries and no one truly understands anyone else's struggles. I just wished that I would've stopped and recognized what I had. I wish I would've saved my worries for the things worthy of worrying about. I wish I would've been more thankful. Mostly, I wish I would've prayed more so God would recognize my voice now.

I hope you learn from me because I am learning from each of you. I am learning how to be a better friend and a better person through your examples. I can't help but think sometimes that I am being punished - that Aidan is paying for my sins. Chris reminds me that we aren't and weren't bad people but we could have been better. We have failed to be there for others who suffered or were in need. Not always, but often enough we got caught up in our busy lives, had no idea what to say so so didn't say anything at all, thought we might be able to keep sickness and heartache at bay if we didn't get too close to it, or failed to act because of our own fears. We will never make those mistakes again because of each and every one of you that does any little thing you do to try and help us get through this day by day, moment by moment.

We are packing our bags with heavy and yet hopeful hearts. We pray that the scans and tests that begin at 8 a.m. tomorrow show us that Aidan, along with God and all this love around him, did indeed "Shrink, Shrink, Shrink That Tumor."

Please say a prayer for Aidan today.