April 10, 2015
In my lifetime, I have been blessed by the acquaintance of many children. I fool myself
by supposing I am here to teach and guide them, for it is more often they who teach me.
Fifteen years ago, at the age of four, a young boy entered my house for the first of many visits. He and my son shared similar
interests most of which centered around a ball and energetic physical activity. Whenever Nathaniel visited, the house
was full of laughter and activity. This was the perfect friendship for my son who was working through the loss of his father.
With his blond curls and sparkling blue eyes, Nathaniel’s joy was infectious. A favorite adventure for the three of us was hiking
to a private lake. If the day were lovely, I could count on Nathaniel to break into song like the birds along the trail. Once we
reached the lake, we paddled a canoe to the river where golf balls grew (actually, there was a golf course on the other side of the
thick brambles that lined the riverbanks, but the boys didn’t realize this). Excited shouts of, “I found one!” filled the magical day.
Upon our return, we enjoyed root-beer floats in frosted mugs. Those were golden days.
Today, at the tender age of nineteen, Nathaniel has been diagnosed with glioblastoma– brain cancer– the kind that shockingly
drops lifespan into an hourglass. Why? we all ask with our golden memories in tow.
Surprisingly, it is Nathaniel with an enormous leap into maturity who tells us to look at the good that has come from the
situation and proceeds to make a lengthy list. I, in my half century of life, had not thought of that. “God is in control,” he
confidently tells us.
Can you see the wise old man?
Yes, God is in control and so begins a prayer marathon for this very special young man whom has blessed me and so many others.
I believe in prayer, for I have experienced miracles. If it is God’s will, I know Nathaniel can be healed. If it is not God’s will, heaven
will be blessed.
Life is a treasure, and I suspect with God in control. . . so is death.
Have a blessed day.
Peacock Prairie 
Beautiful pictures and blessed memories
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Beautiful photos, Julie, and a nice tribute to Nathaniel. I will pray for him as well. He sounds like a remarkable young man.
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You are a gem.
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That was beautiful!
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As are you. . .
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What deep and meaningful thoughts; touches my heart. Prayers!
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Thanks, Barb–especially for the prayers.
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Lovely words .. It is always the special people that we lose. Thinking of you all
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Praying for Nathaniel
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Thanks for your prayers.
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Nathaniel … oh, I will be praying. I am very familiar with glioblastoma multiforme. I just watched an amazing show on 60 Minutes about an immuno-therapy treatment/study they are doing at Duke: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/polio-cancer-treatment-duke-university-60-minutes-scott-pelley/
It actually has offered a ray of hope.
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Thanks Marla. Unfortunately, he did not qualify for the Duke program but what hope for so many. Thanks for the prayers.
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I am sorry to hear that … I do hope immunotherapy can work for many. I will keep praying.
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Prayers to your special young friend.
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Thanks, Judy.
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Sending light and lightness 🙏
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Thanks Val– much appreciated and thanks for dropping by.
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