I honestly think that Bennett thought 2009 would be a easier year for him than what it was. He felt like since the hard intense chemo treatments were over that his body would accept the chemo and he wouldn’t have so many side effects.

Bennett had a great couple months with no problems but than in March he started feeling tired and had a fever with no signs of infection. He had a rocky mountain spotted fever test and other tests but thankfully they came back negative but no answers were found.

In April he had a CT scan because of uncontrollable severe headaches that lead to sinusitis surgery. After the sinus surgery, he didn’t have much relief so they did a more detailed CT scan looking at the nerves and for a tumor. It was a scarey time but was thankful all tests were negative. It took many weeks for him to feel better. He also had a spinal tap for his treatment that was possibly some of the cause of the headache’s he was experiencing. He spent over 2 weeks in the hospital and missed 2 months of school, it was difficult to see the end in sight. He missed graduation practice and all the year end trips but was able to attend 8th grade graduation ceremony.

He was fortunate by being asked to play at Busch Stadium with the highschool baseball team in June and played great! We found out later that he probably hurt his ankle in this game by sliding into second base. The MRI’s showed he had a stress fracture and it was in the opposite ankle as last years problemed ankle. He played not feeling the best and his counts very low. Just eight days after this unbelievable game, he was at the hospital having a bone marrow biospy to check to see if his leukemia had returned. Many signs pointed that it might be but God answered our prayers with a clear report. His counts had been low and his body fatigue for too many weeks with no chemo or explanation.

In June we lost our buddy Ethan that we became so attached to over all the Dr. visist’s and hospital stays. Bennett really reached out to this little boy and was just always in amazement just watching him and hearing him talk. He was one of a kind and a truly blessing to know.

Bennett was in the hospital again in July after his spinal tap from side effects of headache and also had a fever. The Dr. determined that his headaches earlier in the year were mostly from the spinal tap and that unfortunately his body doesn’t accept the chemo or the procedure anymore without side effects.

Bennett was on crutches all summer because of the stress fracture in his ankle and missed the summer highschool baseball traveling season. It was hard for him to do any outside activity while on crutches. It was a long boring summer.

We went to Ryan Coe Memorial fishing derby and enjoyed visiting with everyone but it was a tough and sad weekend for Bennett. He missed his friend that is the only friend that he had that really understood his situation. The emotions were difficult and Bennett needed some time to mourn.

Bennett had a breath taking and amazing Once In A Lifetime hunt to Alaska’s wilderness in September. His dream hunt came true with shooting a moose that weighed 1,500 pounds and had a 50 inch rack. He experienced and saw many beautiful mountains, glaciers and skies. It took him away from the world, hospitals, and Dr.’s to enjoy God’s beautiful scenery!

Bennett started high school and is an honor roll student. He has been so fortunate to keep from having to be home bound. He made the freshman basketball team and before his last illness was one of the first players off the bench. He is able to practice and keep up with the other players.

Bennett started dating his girlfriend Lindy and attending high school dances. We are so thankful to have her in his life She brings so much happiness and fun times. We are so grateful that he can finally experience teenage emotions and relationships.

Bennett had a couple more spinal taps and each time the side effects made him sick for about a week and/or a flying trip to the E.R.

We were blessed that Bennett did not get the H1N1 flu that was spreading furiously. He did have a bad sinus infection and early stages of pneumonia that got him down for a couple weeks but were thankful it didn’t turn into anything worse.

He continues to take approximately 29 pills daily. Some of them are chemo pills, steroid pills, vitamin supplements, and meds to help with side effects. He only has 7 more months of treatment left!!

Bennett has had a few bumps this year. We are grateful for what God has given us and treasure those moments and things.

We hope through these experiences that we smile a little more, laugh a little more, and our more appreciative. We thank God for all his blessings. Thank you for all your prayers throughout the year; and being with us.

May God continue to bless Bennett giving him the strength and courage to finish this journey in 2010!