Update on Ethan

by Jamie Chitwood


It has been so nice to have two weeks off, especially for Ethan. I am sure he has truly enjoyed just being a normal 4 year old! During this time both boys have celebrated their birthdays- Connor turned 2 and Ethan turned 4. We had a little pirate party for them in Connecticut. As a special gift, they received a big ol' Noreaster :) We lost our power and a few trees, but we were blessed- we were able to leave early and head down to Virginia for a little warmth and hot showers, as well as much needed time to visit the Southern side of our family! They were so great to us and even threw the boys another birthday party. While we were down there, we were able to visit our old home church. It was so, so good to see all of our old friends and hear a great sermon. It's so very interesting...our pastor spoke at one point about how God talks to us, and one guy specifically mentioned that God had spoken so clearly to him through the pastor that he felt the pastor was speaking directly to him...Ben and I left that night feeling like God was speaking directly to us. 


Ethan's MRI is coming up this Monday morning at 7:30. We are asking that everyone please pray for a GREAT report. Going back to the sermon from while visiting Virginia, both Ben and I know that God can choose to answer our prayers for Ethan any way He so wants- halting the tumor for the time being, allowing it to grow, or completely erradicating it. While I am praying mightily for Ethan to be healed (and I DO believe he will be), I have faith that God's answer to this on-going prayer of ours will be the BEST, no matter the outcome. If nothing else, throughout this crazy journey we are on, I have come to truly ache for those who do not KNOW Jesus as their Savior. All I know is that the nights when I have been so overcome by grief, Jesus has been right there beside me, holding me, and helping me to just make it to the next moment. When I have bubbled over with laughter at the beautiful antics of my sweet boys, He has been right there smiling and laughing with me. Regardless of how much life sucks right now (and at moments it does), I do NOT doubt that Jesus is holding my hand leading me along this path. He has not left me and has promised He never will. I am so thankful to have His strength for both Ben and myself, as well as for our boys. Every night we pray with the boys that God would help them, that He would grow them strong, that He would heal Ethan, and even more importantly, that both boys would come to know and love Jesus. I pray the same for each of you. I pray that you would never find yourself in the same situation we are in, but wherever God leads you I pray that you will rely on Him to hold onto you and carry you through.


Again, Ben and I would like to thank all of you for your continued prayers. It means so much to us and I truly believe God has heard every prayer and is answering mightily!