Prayers Please

Shayne is on his way home from Madison where he attended the Ohio State game vs. Wisconsin last night so Shayla and I went to Cedar Point today. Because Shayne met Eric (Christi's "Webby") at the University of Wisconsin in 2001, it seemed appropriate that he should take our OSU tickets and go with Eric to the game.

They also met up with two other grad students from banking school and all had dinner together. Ironically, of the four, none of them are bankers any more - wild! (And VERY WISE I might add in today's times.) Shayne has never once complained about paying my thousands of dollars of tuition every year so when he texted, "Our seats are in the 9th row on the 20 yard line - thank you" I was so happy!

When I went to Shayne's graduation, I met "Kirby" another banking student with a child fighting cancer. The last we knew, his son (Ryan) had been doing well, all things considered. After Shayne left for Wisconsin on Thursday morning, he sent me a horrific email telling me he met with Kirby and Ryan cancer has taken off and they're hoping for a clinical trial to open. Shayne said they shared many tears as their family is now exactly where we were in July of 2006. It's just sicking, absolutely vile. Kirby's 15 year old son doesn't want to give up. We were so lucky (I think) Christi didn't really know. I really believe she always thought another treatment was waiting for her. My prayers are with his whole family and if you find it in your heart, please join me. (Kirby made the ten hour drive to attend Christi's funeral!) Ryan should have years and years ahead of him. Kirby and his wife shouldn't be suffering like they are realizing they may outlive their child. Why must these kids suffer through treatments that don't even come with guaranteed with cures?! They deserve better! It's all just sickening!

Here's a bit of the email Shayne sent: Ryan's oncologist told them that his cancer has become more aggressive and there are now multiple tumors scattered around the right side of his brain; surgery is no longer an option. There is currently no cure for the type of cancer that Ryan has. Ryan's answer to this? "I am not ready to give up the fight!" Kirby and Amy spent a lot of time talking with Ryan's oncologist; they discussed his 9-year battle with this cancer, his strength, his courage, his determination to live each day to its fullest and "fun-est". Kirby and Amy said that there are things that stand out in their minds about that day:

· Ryan high-fived his neurosurgeon and told him that he's an outstanding doctor and has done a great job through all of his surgeries over the past 9 years. (Can you imagine that??? Ryan thanking and complimenting the surgeon and building up his confidence just after he learned that his cancer is inoperable! If that's not strength, I don't know what is.)

· Ryan hugging his oncologist and telling her that even though God can't cure his cancer now, his faith in Him is strong and he will continue praying for the miracle that can help.

Due to Christi's situation, Shayne was not able to graduate with his class, but he did graduate a year later. Kirby came to Shayne's graduation and this is a picture of him going up on stage to hug Shayne. (Yes, that's Shayne! He let his bald head grow out with long hair just like Christi's did....only to have Christi shave it off again when she lost hers.) These guys certainly share a special bond. It makes me cry to look at this picture knowing what fabulous dads they are and that they certainly do not deserve the hand they've been given.

Here's the link to Ryan's website (or click on the colored text above): http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/ryandavidson

Great gal, great weather - I had a lovely afternoon at Cedar Point. Shayla commented, "Cedar Point is totally different in the fall. I really like it here." I hope we can go back yet this fall with Shayne. It really is fun (and different) in the fall.