Dear Family/Aidan's Angels!

I’ve been reflecting on the last 10 months since I got Mike’s distressing call after Aidan’s MRI on April 14, 2006.  Over that period of time, it is amazing all that has been done, endured, and overcome by Aidan, Sage, Tanya, Mike, Chet, Cathy, Emily, Ned, Aidan’s Angels, the doctors, etc.!

What a marvelous gift we have been given and have experienced these past 10 months as Aidan has battled his illness.  Yet, he has not been alone.  I thought, herein grows a miracle before our eyes!

What is the definition of “Miracle”?

According to Webster’s New World Dictionary:

“…an event or action that apparently contradicts known scientific laws and is hence thought to be due to supernatural causes, esp. to an act of God.”

According to the Bible Dictionary: 

“An important element in the work of Jesus Christ, being not only divine acts, but forming also a part of the divine teaching.  Christianity is founded on the greatest of all miracles, the resurrection of our Lord.”  “…Miracles were and are a response to faith, and its best encouragement.  They were never wrought without prayer, felt need, and faith.”

Who determines when it is a miracle?  Do we determine the conditions of what constitutes a miracle, or the conditions and timing of the fulfillment of the miracles?  Of course, we know that God is the author and finisher of each miracle.  Those with “eyes to see” and “ears to hear” will recognize the miracles.  God is a god of miracles and does not stop doing them among those who believe and follow Him.  Miracles are outward signs that faith exists within the faithful believers.

On that April 14, 2006, the results of the MRI were devastating to Mike, Tanya, Sage, and his extended family.  Easter weekend suddenly became more than traditional egg hunts, bunnies, and new clothes.  Easter is all about hope, and was the turning point from the previous devastating Friday.  So, for Aidan, Easter 2006 became synonymous with hope.  Tanya’s family joined Mike’s family in Everett for the afternoon, then all joined together in family prayer on behalf of Aidan, and so was born the beginnings of the phrase, “Why Not Aidan!”, referring to the survival rate from those with similar-type tumors.  Monday’s meeting with the doctors started out grim, all of us with heavy hearts, however, suddenly the heaviness left the room and light seemed to penetrate that darkness.  A miracle?

Aidan’s physical response was immediate.  His symptoms started to subside.  The doctors chose not to put the shunts into his head prior to the radiation therapy.  “Papa” Chet began his search around the world to find a cure, a doctor, a hospital, a trial, anything that could benefit Aidan.  The date was set for the radiation, then set back and a window opened for a trip to Phoenix to visit with a doctor who was part of a study…there was more hope.  Delays, then, like a sudden burst of sunlight, the current trial gained approval earlier than expected and Aidan was accepted.  A miracle?

Doctors were amazed from the beginning that Aidan’s condition did not worsen after that Easter weekend.  They monitored in amazement as he rapidly improved and the physical symptoms gradually subsided.  A miracle?

The first MRI results showed a drastic reduction in size of the tumor.  A miracle?

And now the latest report of hope.  The vision of the future looks much brighter.  A continual lifting of spirits, of hope, and of great joy!  A miracle?

Aidan has not only captivated the doctors and staff by his quick wit, loving personality, and trusting nature, but his legacy has spread world-wide as the community has unified their faith, prayers, energies, and resources to see and experience the miracle from “Why Not Aidan!”  A miracle?

Although we don’t know the future specific outcome for Aidan, yet we know that none of us will ever be the same.  Also, neither he nor none of us are promised a challenge-free life, because that’s how we grow individually and one of the reasons why we are here in this life.  Most of you have seen the drawing depicted by the poem, “Footprints” by John Frederick:

“One night a man had a dream.  He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord.  Across the colorful sky flashed scenes from his life.  For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints; one belonged to him, and the other to the Lord.

When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints and noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints.  He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.

This really bothered him and he questioned the Lord about it.  ‘Lord, you said that once I decided to believe in you, you’d walk with me all the way.  But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints.  I don’t understand why when I needed you most you would abandon me.’

The Lord said to him, ‘My precious, precious child, I love you and would never leave you.  During your times of trial and tribulation, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.’”

We have been carried many times this past year.  If we will expand our vision and look back on our lives, we will see the many times we were carried.  It will happen in the future as well.  What is required of us?  Be full of faith; continue in prayer, choosing to accomplish all our responsibilities to self and each other – in short, following the Savior’s example in all things.  Thus, a new marching cry that Aidan’s family has embarked upon… “Pay It Forward”.  A miracle? 

It can be, and will be!

Love to you all!

“Papa” Ned Zaugg