The Ellsworths: December 2010

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Visit with the Brilliants

If you've been following Peter's story from the beginning, you may recall our connection with Riley Brilliant. We met them at the hospital after both boys had undergone major surgery and were struggling to survive. Come to find out, they were born on the exact same day at the exact same hospital. The Brilliants live in our area and were schoolteachers like Tom. We visited with them a lot during those first difficult weeks at the hospital. Jason and Michelle were a tremendous source of encouragement to us. I remember Jason praying with us for Peter.

Riley had a brain tumor and has been treated at St. Jude for quite some time. I will never forget visiting Michelle and Riley in his room and Michelle making phone calls right and left and doing amazing amounts of research to find the best treatment options for Riley. I was so impressed with her diligence and sacrifice. I knew she was at least as tired as I was and yet still going strong to care for her child.

Last night, the Brilliants had us over and we had a great time! Riley is doing really well and still smiles ALL THE TIME. Peter had a ball tormenting poor Lizzie. He loves pretty girls. I'm so mad I didn't take any pictures. I brought my camera, but we had such a great time talking I never even gave it another thought.

Riley and Peter are both incredible miracles. Both were given little to no chance of survival and both are doing great now. It's not often that people get to see one miracle in a lifetime, much less two. I'm so thankful God connected us with these precious people.

On another note, Alana played the role of "babysitter" (sort-of) last night. She stayed in the bedroom and supervised Lizzie and Peter - really just Peter, so Lizzie could play in peace. It was so strange for me to have her be the older child watching the younger ones, not one of the children actually playing. She is growing up so much! I'm so proud of her.