finally...

My brother has been home from his mission since January 9th, and the doctors finally think they have an answer for the yucky crap he's had since the first month he got out into the field. He saw the infectious disease doctor today who has reviewed all the tests and determined that he has Ulcerative Colitis. It's not something he got on his mission, as it has no "cause", it's something he got just because. It's a disease that you can't ever get rid of, but can be put in remission for periods of time. He will have to limit his activity and stress, as these two things can make it flare up. He will eventually have to have surgery to remove the colon and will also be at a high risk for Colon Cancer. Oh and one more thing, the doctor said that he needed to be completely released from a mission and not plan on going back. TOTAL BUMMER!! I was with him at the appointment, and I really just wanted to cry. He's such an ambitious, smart, and very talented kid and he was very passionate about serving a mission. He and I talked about the mission thing and he just said it was going to have to be ok, and that he this is something he had no control of. I am so proud of him and I know that he is strong enough to keep on going and make the best of this situation. I am really glad that he has answers and that he can continue with life. I felt like it was so hard not knowing what was in the future because none of the doctors really said anything about his mission. This doctor was so good to say things straight up and he was also very compassionate and said how sorry he was that Stefen would have to deal with this disease. I know our Heavenly Father loves us and he loves my brother and he will provide the comfort and strenght needed. I love my brother so much and wish for the best.