Praying for Ethan

Praying for Ethan

This is Lillie's little friend, Ethan. He will be turning 4 in November and is a blessing to say the least. His precious little smile and tiny, but grown-up glasses melt my heart. Ethan had been having an onset of seizures and has been diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer. For those of you who attend Living Word or know the Chitwoods, you are already familiar with their story, but for those of you who do not, I want to share the joy of a family who through fire and hell, praise the Lord. Amazingly, beyond their own struggles, they offer hope and support for others in need. They are a selfless family who, though despite the hurts and pains of their own lives, desire for others to know the peace of God in every circumstance. The Chitwoods have since moved back home while Ben has been deployed several times over the past year. 


We love this family dearly and I miss the heck out of them. Jamie has stood by me through much of our infertility, always offering words of encouragement, prayer and friendship. I cannot tell you the amount of times I have received a message from her just after their visit to the hospital asking how things are going with me and extending prayer over OUR family. I never have the right words to respond because I cannot get over the heart that God has given to this gal. She is a jewel; a hero; a fighter and a woman I am truly honored to call friend. Though they are gone, it's as if they have never left. Every time Jamie sends updates on their Facebook Page, Praying for Ethan, I cannot seem to keep my tears from flowing; and I know I am not the only one. As I sat last night under the stars with other women from our church, I couldn't help but be amazed with the love that is poured over the Chitwoods. They are loved. They are family. When their hearts break, ours break. When tears flow, ours flow right beside them. But when THEY PRAISE, oh how WE PRAISE!...even when tears flow. 


Please keep them in your prayers. God is faithful to show us His character in midst of our lives both good and bad. He is faithful to show us His strength. He is faithful to show us His power and He IS faithful to sustain us! 

"Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall...But as for me, I trust in you." Psalm 55:22,23b

Here is their story...
Chitwood Family Update 10/18/11

Wow! What a week it has already been! As many of you know, Ben made it home safe and sound from Afghanistan! He and the 313th made it stateside around a week ago Sunday. At that point we were still planning on him flying into CT sometime Saturday. I got a call Wednesday afternoon that we could actually come pick him up Saturday morning....so began a whirlwind few days of making travel plans, booking a hotel, packing, cleaning, and finishing our "Daddy's Home" surprises.

Friday, the boys and I loaded up and headed to NJ around 12:30. The "plan" was for them to sleep most3 of the 3 1/2 hour drive. However, 20 minutes into the ride, Ethan asked, "Mommy, are we there yet??" I was shocked (he's never asked this before. Ever.) and a little dismayed as I then knew it would be a L-O-N-G trip :) Our 3 1/2 hour trip turned into 5 1/2 hours as we drove through the Bronx, hit pouring rain, a traffic packed George Washington Bridge, and road work delays. However, I will say it was all worth it to see my handsome husband waiting for us at the front gate to the post and see the grins on my boys faces as they were frantically yelling out, "DADDY!!!!!" That evening we were able to meet some of the soldiers Ben worked with over this past year, especially the many who ran in a Live Strong race entitled, "Ethan's Run". It was so nice to hear Ethan tell them we had prayed for them and that they were heroes, and see Connor grin at each of them (and make his newest spitty sounds). Early Saturday morning Ben turned in the last of his paperwork and keys, and we headed HOME. Such a delightful word!

Today, Ethan went in for another full-treatment cycle. He was so proud to have Daddy with him and show him how brave he is. I cannot even begin to describe how proud I am of that little man. He wakes up and asks if he's going to the doctors...then when he gets the affirmative, he wants to know if he's getting his tubie in. Yup. Then he reminds me he needs his "white medicine" to numb it. Smarty pants! Once again, we are thanking God that his seizures have stayed away for another week and that his counts were fantastic! His hair is starting to slowly make it's way back to normal and he is now at the largest weight he's ever been- 15.9 kg!!!! We spent the day (10 a.m.- 4:45 p.m.) playing with 4 or 5 other patients and entertaining the nursing staff. As we finished out treatment, we looked over to see Ethan and a little 2 1/2 year old girl holding hands watching "Scooby Doo" together...how absoutely precious! I am so amazed how God has used Ethan to bring comfort to those little ones around him.

Connor is quickly adjusting to having Daddy home. He shows off ALL day and wants Ben's undivided attention. He LOVES to wrestle with Ben and be chased and grabs his hand to show him everything he's done or can do or might do. Although, I will say I do not believe Ben minds one little bit! He is completely smitten with his two little look-alikes.

As for me, I am content to enjoy this time in our ife watching three of my most precious gifts from God, all in the same place, njoying each other. It is moments like this that I know just how truly blessed I am.