As the mother of the "real Mac," I can testify that he has faced the hardest of days. At 8 months old, he was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, which he beat! Then, at 3 years old, he was diagnosed with an incredibly rare brain cancer, and doctors said he would never be able to come off chemotherapy. He's had multiple brain surgeries and eye surgeries, years of chemo and its side effects, and countless hours of therapy, including learning to walk again. In 2019, when his body couldn't take any more, Jeremy and I prayed, mustered all the faith we possibly could, and did what we felt impressed to do: we took him off treatment, trusting in Heavenly Father's plan for Mac. It was the hardest decision we've ever made. In the seven years since, doctors have kept watching his brain tumor with MRIs, first every few months and now once a year, and by a miracle it has never shown growth on a single scan. Today Mac is a thriving teenager, and we don't take a single day for granted. He has incredible strength, grace and understanding. He is an inspiration to so many people.

 

Through many years of being in the trenches, the words in this book were born into our family and we repeat them over and over. How you think about and talk about hard times REALLY MATTERS! Even on days where Mac couldn't see his incredible strength, I could. I knew it was my job as his mom to instill in him the belief that he can do hard things.

 

I have been so touched to hear Mac repeating these words to himself and his brothers. That is my wish for you too. Let these words become part of who you are and who your children are and it will bless you tremendously. This book is based on a true story, but it's really about YOUR STORY! Whatever you are facing, you can do this.