Another MRI?

My grandma is at the hospital with Lucas and she told me today that they want to do an MRI this afternoon at 3:30 of his brain and spine. He just had one not quite 2 weeks ago. However, due to the difficulty of managing his pain, they want to see if there is anything else going on that would be causing him so much discomfort. They will also be doing a procedure in which they move his feeding tube past his stomach and place it directly into his intestines. By it bypassing the stomach he shouldn't be able to throw up which he's been doing a lot of. I feel completely helpless and it breaks my heart not to be able to ease his pain. I'm so scared of what the MRI will show. Last time it was good news but the thing with these tumors is that they are so aggressive, it's unpredictable and anything is possible. I just hope whatever they find can be easily fixed. I know that there's a possibility of them coming to us with the news that he needs to have more of the tumor removed surgically. I'm terrified of this because of the location. It is literally wrapped around some very sensitive nerves in the neck and the possibility of him having permanent paralysis is quite high. I will be going to the hospital in the morning to find out the results and spend some time with him. I recently received a message from the grandpa of Lucas' little friend Travyn who just finished his last cycle of chemo and is done with treatment. He shared with me a story that I found so appropriate and I would like share it with all of you.

The Brave Little Soul

Not too long ago in Heaven there was a little soul who took wonder in observing the world. He especially enjoyed the love he saw there and often expressed this joy with God. One day however the little soul was sad, for on this day he saw suffering in the world. He approached God and sadly asked, "Why do bad things happen; why is there suffering in the world?"
God paused for a moment and replied, "Little Soul, do not be sad, for the suffering unlocks the love in peoples hearts." The Little Soul was confused. "What do you mean?" he asked. God replied, " Have you not noticed the goodness and love that is the offspring of that suffering? Look at how people come together, drop their differences and show their love and compassion for those who suffer. All their other motivations disappear and they become motivated by love alone."
The Little Soul began to understand and listen attentively as God continued, " The suffering soul unlocks the love in people's hearts much like the sun and rain unlock the flower within the seed. I created everyone with endless love in their heart, but unfortunately most people keep it locked up and hardly share it with anyone. They are afraid to let their love shine freely, because they are afraid of being hurt. But a suffering soul unlocks that love. I tell you this-it is the greatest miracle of all. Many souls have bravely chosen to go into the world and suffer-to unlock this love-to create this miracle-for the good of all humanity."
Just then the Little Soul got a wonderful idea and could hardly contain himself. With his wings fluttering, bouncing up and down, the Little Soul excitedly replied, " I am brave; let me go ! I would like to go into the world and suffer so that I can unlock the goodness and love in people's hearts! I want to create that miracle!"
God smiled and said, "You are a brave Soul I know, and thus I will grant your request. But even though you are very brave you will not be able to do this alone. I have known since the beginning of time that you would ask for this and so I have carefully selected many souls to care for you on your journey. Those souls will help you create your miracle; however they will also share in your suffering. Two of these souls are most special and will care for you, help you and suffer along with you, far beyond the others. They have already chosen a name for you."
God and the Brave Little Soul shared a smile and then embraced. In parting, God said,"Do not forget Little Soul that I will be with you always. Although you have agreed to bear the pain, you will so through My strength, And if the time should come when you feel that you have suffered enough, just say the word, think the thought, and you will be healed."
Thus at that moment the Brave Little Soul was born into the world, and through his suffering and Gods strength, he unlocked the goodness and love in peoples hearts. For so many people dropped their differences and came together to show their love. Priorities became properly aligned. People gave from their hearts. Those that were always too busy found time. Many began new spiritual journeys-some regained lost faith-many came back to God. Parents hugged their children tighter. Friends and family grew closer. Old friends got together and new friendships were made. Distant family reunited, and every family spent more time together. Everyone prayed. Peace and Love reighned. Lives changed forever. It was good. The world was a better place. The Miracle happened. God was pleased.

Thank you all for your continued prayers on behalf of our brave little soul....

Shannon