Tuesday, September 4, 2007

strong and courageous

We want all of you who read this blog to know that your willingness to continue to walk with us through this challenge is a source of great encouragement. We have received so much support and we're very thankful.

We met a family this weekend whose daughter had leukemia at age 5. She's now 14 and healthy and was very sweet with Isaiah. She showed him her port scar which is now nearly invisible. Carmen and I talked with her dad about questions and fears that very few can understand. It was a conversation we'll remember for a long time.

Today Isaiah's ANC was up to 1500 so they resumed the chemotherapy. He's had a very strong month which has been great for his confidence. On Sunday he went to his Emmaus Kids class for the first time since May and loved it. He laughs all the time and has his mischevious little "spark" again.

It's so good to hear him laugh.



11 comments:

Niamh McCreary said...

It sure is wonderful to hear you laugh and see you playing happily Isaiah!

We continue to pray for you and your sister and Mum and Dad.

Hugs

The McCreary Family

Annelies said...

If we encourage you, you can only imagine how much your family encourages mine. I know this is about Isaiah and prayers for his recovery which seems to be going so well. Praise God for His goodness. But it is also about being led by a little boy who smiles thru his hard times and in that I find a great lesson for my life. I feel blessed to have this blog to come to....to use it as a reminder of the greatness of our God and how He can work thru the smallest of His children to lead all of us closer to Him. Keep smiling Isaiah, and know that we are happy to walk beside you. Hugs from San Diego.

bita said...

I love you, Isaiah.

your bita

Taria M. said...

Hello Sweet Isaiah! I'm so glad to hear that you are doing well, and staying strong. I think of you daily, and pray for you. I pray that God continues to work in your heart and your body to get you well. I pray that God holds your parents close to Him, and guides them in the best decisions for you. And I pray that He continues to show us how incredible He is. Your faith encourages me and reminds me that God is good! Thank you for that. Sending lots of love and hugs to you from Mt. Shasta!

Taria

Michelle Coder said...

I'm so glad you had a great month, Isaiah! I continue to pray for your continued healing and wellness as you travel this journey.

I am so glad to be able to communicate with you and your family through this blog. I'm humbled by God's loving command to help our brothers and sisters. There are many blessings in both helping and accepting help. I also praise God for bringing people into your lives at just the right time for comfort and information.

I love all of you and hold you in Christ's Light and Love.

Meghan Dease said...

Hi Isaiah.

I was just reading what my mom wrote to you and your family and I could not agree more. Everytime I read about you on your blog I am reminded of how good our God is. You are such a blessing to me. God is smiling just knowing how many lives you touch just from being you. You are so special!

Love to you and your big sis.

Meghan and Dustin

Aunt Millie said...

Hello Isaiah,
You do not know me but your Daddy knows my son Larry. I have been reading all about you and looking at all the pictures. You are such a beautiful and courageous little boy. I hope you don't mind but I have sort of adopted you as my secret little great grandson. I pray that God will make you a healthy strong young man one day but for now just keep getting well.
Your Secret Grandma

Unknown said...

What a journey your family has been on. We are greatful to be there with you and follow your incredible progress!

Our love and prayers,
Cara, Patrick and Jae

Kathy said...

Hey Oates family,
So good to spend some time with you last weekend. To see you all with smiling faces was a face lift for us! We even witnessed the happy Isaiah you are reporting about. May the Lord continue to encourage you through stories and support and blessings.
He is only good!

Bill and Kathy

Anonymous said...

Hi Isaiah,

I was thinking today about how long it's been since I've gone on a bear hunt...which really just made me think of you!!

I love you huge and the next time I am in your "neck of the woods" hopefully we can hang out.

Can you tell Sienna that I said hello too? Thank you...

Emily
(coming to you from Merced now!)

Anonymous said...

Hi guys,
It's me Kayla. I just recently started the eighth grade, and sicne then we've been doing prayer request in my bible class. I've been praying for you guys, and I've been encouraging my mom's side of the family to pray too. Sorry I missed your birthday, kid. But I'm happy that you're doing well and I'm praying for you. As for Nathan, Carmen and Sienna, I'm praying for you guys as well. By the way, nathan; Can I get some of those bands for me and my family? That would be great. I love you guys, and I just wanted to let you know that you guys are in my heart and prayers. God loves you all, and I do too.
-Kayla Rojas.