Will Patton Will Michael Patton

God gives each of us our story as part of HiStory. We want to share Will's story for God's glory and our good. As I have read caringbridge sites written by other mothers about their children, I have cried many tears, prayed many prayers, laughed often, and thanked God that I wasn't one of those mothers (although I admired them greatly). Little did I know of the journey I would begin with my precious gift from God: Will Michael Patton. Born a bit early on April 13, 2004, Will was welcomed into our family of Wayne, Jennifer, and big brother, Luke.  Will was a peaceful baby, coasting often on autopilot as I adjusted to having a newborn AND a 2 year-old. At 6 weeks of age, I noticed on Will's skin a few cafe-au-lait spots that concerned me because of their association with a condition called neurofibromatosis (type 1). After a little research, I sent his blood sample off to Alabama where they confirmed the spontaneous mutation genetically, and labeled him as NF1. After realizing God was (and is) in complete control of the situation, I "let go" (somewhat) of my fears of what Will may face down the road and focused on taking him for the recommended annual exams and simply enjoying what an amazing blessing Will was and is to all who know him. As many already know,  "my peace" was providentially replaced with GOD's peace when I learned that Will's "first neurofibroma" was, in reality, a malignant embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma which would require us to travel the next day to St.Jude Children's Research Hospital: my favorite charity, but also my most feared destiny. And so we are here... facing what I feared most and never thought possible, and by God's grace being lifted up to heights unthinkable by the prayers of others, feeling God so closely and begging for His merciful deliverance into complete healing. As our Lord Jesus said Himself, "If there be any other way, take this cup from Me, yet not My WILL, but Yours be done." Yes, Father God, WILL is yours as I am yours, and I trust we are in Your Hands... and there is no other place we'd rather be. Jeremiah 29:11