Bennett had a good day, spending most of the day playing with Hamilton. They played baseball and football in the yard. He was worn out and took a short nap before Hamilton’s games this evening. Bennett and Drew played baseball in a field near by. Hamilton’s team got runner-up in the Zone Section tourney! They beat Goreville and than had to play Mt Vernon. Mt Vernon beat us by one point. What a game!

I think it’s amazing that so many people have shown their support for you Bennett. I truly believe you inspire people to be thankful for what they have, and not be bothered by things that don’t really matter. Thank you for your strength.

5 months ago today; was the day that changed our life, I can’t believe it’s been that long.  Some days it seems just like yesterday and at other times it seems forever ago. The last few months have flown by, I can’t believe July is about over with, it doesn’t seem like we have had a summer. I guess because our summer is different this year.

Bennett had a good day, he felt well. He went to Hamilton’s baseball game tonight and they lost against Mt Vernon. That Mt Vernon group is giving each one of our Benton baseball league some trouble. We will have a chance to play them again, if we win at 6:00 Sat. night against Goreville than we will play Mt Vernon again at 8:00. It’s a double elimination tourney. Bennett took his cucumbers and vinegar to the ball game eating them in the stands.  I know his mouth is better if he can eat them!

“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.” - 1 John 4:16 

Bennett was pretty tired today. He didn’t do much but hang out at home. His legs were bothering him, assuming from the playing the ball game. He was too tired to play the game tonight against Carterville but wanted to go and hung out with the team. Unfortunately his team lost so their season is finished.

Mason is spending the night with him which I am glad he is up to being with friends. I am sure he is treasuring and planning his next few days ahead as they will be precious. 5 days until he is hospitalized for the high dose of methotrexate and start it all over again.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”  John 3:16

If you weren’t at the Benton Ball Park tonight – you wouldn’t believe it! Bennett Page #35 started the Pony Section game. He batted twice and was walked twice and he scored one run! He had three balls hit to him in right field (2 grounders and 1 fly ball over his head) and he did well.

Bennett called me today and said he is thinking about maybe playing the game tonight, I told him he would need to call coach Johnston and ask him. I didn’t think he would call because he has talked about playing off and on since the season started but wasn’t up to playing. One thing led to another as God put all the pieces together. I had put away all of Bennett’s baseball clothes, (thank goodness he could still wear last years clothes) plus he borrowed a pair of baseball shoes from Trey, amazing he wears the same size and had an extra pair.

God blessed us with a miracle tonight! The Rangers lost 8 to 5 but in my heart Bennett won! He is beating all odds! God is Good! We are blessed to have such a special baseball coach and our baseball family!

Bennett had a great day! He had a lot of fun with his friends all day! I asked him if he was tired since he stayed up pretty late last night. He said “nope, I am like a freight train, nothing is going to stop me.”

He said he ate well today. He still has the big sore in his mouth; really not much change in it, it looks pretty deep. He hasn’t really complained about it.

“For nothing is impossible with God” Luke 1:37

Bennett will not be having chemo treatment this week. The Dr. doesn’t want to begin treatment since he still has one big mouth sore plus his mouth still feels a little funny on each side in the front. She wants his mouth to be completely healed before beginning the process all over because he probably will get them again.

His ANC today from the blood test was 1,125 so this was good.

Bennett was happy to have another week at home. I believe mentally he needed this week to enjoy life. For the last 2 weeks, he has only had 4 good days. He started yesterday eating more too so hopefully he should gain back the weight he lost from last treatment. God has blessed us with this delay for his body to heal and get stronger.

We will always do what the Dr. thinks is best but selfishly I am happy as well because I will be home to watch Hamilton’s All star section tournament this week! The team needs me cheering!! LOL

11:00 p.m. Hamilton’s team beat Herrin. Now he plays Wed night. Bennett didn’t go, he had other plans. He went with Brock and a bunch of friends to the go-carts in Sesser and he is spending the night with Brock. He really enjoys hanging with his friends; he treasures the opportunity! Thanks for asking Brock!

Bennett was pretty tired this morning, he slept in until about 11:30. This is unusual for him unless he is really not feeling well. Today he just needed extra sleep. The boys and I went to Gpa/ma Johnston’s to ride in the boat on their pond, they also rode Spirit and rode their dirt bikes.  We didn’t get caught in any rain but it thundered around us.  I am supposed to call the Dr. in the morning to let her know how his mouth sores are doing, if she think s they are too bad than he will not begin treatment plus his is supposed to get a blood test to check if his ANC is 750 or higher. If ANC is high enough and Dr. is ok with mouth sores than he will be admitted to SLCH for the high dose methotrexate treatment on Tuesday.

Bennett had a  good day. He ate about the same, just a little bit.  Sid, Bennett and Hamilton went fishing this morning at Gpa/ma Johnston’s. Bennett was the only one that caught anything.  Bennett and Hamilton rode their pony – Spirit. They came home and Bennett and Hamilton swam for a little bit before we went to Hamilton’s double header game in Salem. They won both games. Yeah!

Bennett still has the mouth sores but they are getting better. We are so happy and thankful that he is able to enjoy the sunshine and the cool breezes outside.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

Bennett is about the same today. He is eating just a little: no breakfast and ate a few pieces of fish for lunch and a couple pieces of cheesy bread for dinner.

Bennett was pretty tired but he kept finding stuff he wanted to do instead of resting. He messed around at home with his Dad and Hamilton today and went out to Grandpa/ma J. We saw the wild geese fly to their pond and also a beautiful sunset.

“For God who said Let light shine out of darkness,” “made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.” 2 Chorinthians 4:6