January 24, 2014

I guess the best way to start this record is to begin at the beginning.

Jacob wrote the following about his experience on Friday.

"I went to the emergency room on Friday afternoon on suspicion that I was having a stroke. I was having spells that felt like I was going to faint and my right arm had some numbness. They determined that I wasn't having a stroke but ordered a head MRI out of an abundance of caution. The MRI revealed a small mass deep in between the hemispheres of my brain. They admitted me to the hospital and did a series of tests and scans to determine whether I had any other cancers that could have spread to the brain. Those all came back negative and they let me go home late last night. They are going to do an outpatient surgery and biopsy to figure out exactly what's going on."

We are grateful for many things.

First, for our faith in Jesus Christ and our membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and for the administration of Melchizedek priesthood blessings.

Second, for the love and support of our parents, siblings, and extended family. Our parents immediately came to be with us and will walk by our side through this.

Third, for the love and support of our ward (local congregation), work associates, friends, neighbors, teachers, and for the prayers they have offered in Jacob's behalf.

Fourth, for the circumstances that let Jacob to feel unwell, seek initial treatment at an instacare, and from there be referred to the Mayo Clinic Hospital in Phoenix that is just miles from our home.

Finally, we are grateful to live in this day and age with the modern advances in science, medicine, technology, and communiation.

We don't know what is in store, but we've experienced a calm and peace that has come as we've taken some steps into the darkness. We trust in God and will accept His will, but we know that He is a God of miracles.