Waiting on God...and a Bone Marrow Transplant

I was going to write about something different.

But I can't stop thinking about it.

My dad sent an email telling us that my 13-year old cousin who is suffering from Acute myeloid leukemia is not doing well.

Some of you may remember that I wrote a post about him back in the spring (see below).

Prayers Needed for My Cousin

At the time, we thought that he was a candidate for a bone marrow transplant and that the University of Nebraska Medical Center Lied Transplant Center would accept his case.

In the span of a few short months, his health became more fragile and so he is now in another state at a larger medical center fighting for a chance to receive a transplant...and each day brings a new twist to the roller coaster ride.

I called him last night.  His birthday is Sunday.  He's turning 14.  He asked for the fifth Harry Potter book and told me that he's doing okay.

"I know that God has a plan and I'm okay with that."

Through tears, I told him that we missed him and that we wished that he wasn't so far away.  I told him that he was courageous, an old soul, wise beyond his years, and that his faith was awe inspiring.

And now, I volley between anger and hope.  Anger in a God that would take a child.  And hope that he may be able to stay with us a little longer.

And a reminder that yet again, tomorrow is guaranteed to no one and that we must hold tight the ones we love.

Prayers Needed

The phone rang last night.

It was my dad confirming what some in our family were fearful would be validated. 

My 13-year old cousin was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia...a rare cancer of the myeloid line of blood cells demonstrated by a rapid growth of white blood cells in the bone marrow that disrupts the body's ability to produce normal blood cells.

Our cousin has had a condition since birth that has interfered with his ability to produce white blood cells that mature and consequently, has taken nightly shots to keep his immune system healthy.

And so far, so good...until last week, when he got sick.

When I got the call that he was at Children's Hospital, I brought him the first Harry Potter book and a blizzard.  We talked a little bit about the hospital.  It's kind of cool...they have a Wii in the room....the nurses are super nice...the food's not too bad...and according to him,  the view of Dodge street was amazing (they're not from Omaha).

Our next steps are to find a bone marrow donor match immediately.  Our odds are challenging and we're up against a clock.

But how can God take a child at 13 years of age?  Seventh grade?  Basketball games?  Friends?  Hopes?  Dreams?  So much life to live?  So many milestones to see?

I went to church alone this morning and prayed for a long time.  Please God, heal my cousin.  Please God, give him more time with his family and friends.  And if it is your will to take him home, please give him the most amazing last days here on this earth and give his parents and family strength and courage.