What Brendan Knows. . .

Just a reminder that you can access the beginning posts of the blog if you choose the "Sidebar" option at the top of the page.  (This only works on computers and not phones, I think.)  The sidebar lists all of the posts from the most recent to the beginning.

Today was a pretty incredible day.  We had so many wonderful people come to visit Brendan and our family.  So many kindnesses shown and love given.

The night was pretty good.  Brendan slept well.  He still can only sleep on his right side (due to pain when he is on his left) so it is nice when he can get off his shoulder and sleep on his back a little bit.  But breathing while he is on his back is harder for him, so he usually doesn't stay on his back long.

Brendan woke up saying, "I want waffles for breakfast!"  So waffles it was.  Aunt Shenla came to visit.

And Uncle Shiloh.

And Uncle Shalee, Aunt Cheryl, and Uncle Sharik and his family.

Later, after a nap, Brendan was able to visit with President Holmes (First Counselor in the Young Men's General Presidency) and his wife.  When asked what he has learned, Brendan said, "Heavenly Father is in charge."

 We were all uplifted by the Spirit that came with President and Sister Holmes.  We talked and shared  with them what we have learned through this experience.  Some of what we have learned is what Brendan already knows -- that Heavenly Father is in charge, He knows what he is doing, and everything is going to work out all right.

 Afterwards, there was time for pizza and fun with Chris.

 Aunt Shara and Boston came to visit -- (and Manny came for some pet therapy.)

Tonight, more dear friends came to visit and we discussed "why" something like this would happen to Brendan.  What Brendan knows makes it easier for him (and all the rest of us) to accept and understand why.  Brendan has learned that Heavenly Father's plan is perfect and that he has a work for Brendan to do -- both here and on the other side.  When he finishes his work here, he will move on to his work there.  Brendan is excited to be free of the pain and limitations he suffers here and looks forward to the resurrection when his body will be made whole.

It's an incredible thing to see what Brendan knows -- especially for someone his age.

Brendan's friends came to share a song they sang in Sacrament Meeting last week.  Since Brendan was in the hospital he missed hearing them.  Thanks, Alana and Lucy, for sharing this beautiful song with all of us!

(Here is the last part of it.)

 Brendan knows that he could be healed if it was Heavenly Father's will.  He also knows that sometimes it takes a lot of faith not to be healed -- and to still understand that it is Heavenly Father's plan.  I continue to be amazed at all that Brendan knows -- and all that he is teaching us.  

Brendan's time here on this earth is growing shorter.  We are seeing the changes that come as the cancer takes over his body.  Breathing is becoming more difficult.  The pressure in his abdomen and chest continues to increase as fluid collects there.  He is increasingly tired and getting out of bed less and less.  The pain in his back and spine give him a lot of difficulty.  We pray that his suffering will be short.