Precious Life

Yesterday I saw a status show up on Facebook. It was a blog link from a girl I went to high school with. We weren't close friends, but we went to a small school so pretty much everyone was friends. I didn't quite understand her status so I clicked on her blog link. What I read absolutely floored me.

She has breast cancer.

Breast Cancer.

My first thought was that she had to be talking about an aunt or someone older than us. But no. I sat in front of the computer crying. For some reason this news completely knocked the breath out of me. She has a little girl (she's adorable!) and is a Mommy and Wife and works. And she just got this horrible news. And to top it off.... she has complete faith in God and has a very positive outlook on things. Amazing.

She found an enlarged lymph node during her self-exam one day (three weeks after a doctor appointment where things were normal). She is undergoing chemo right now with surgery in the near future.

PSA: Ladies, please be pro-active and check yourself every month. Men, please encourage your ladies to take good care of their bodies and take notice of anything out of the ordinary - and do the same for yourself, guys....because we ladies need you!

I've been completely shaken up by this - I can't get it off my mind and all I know to do is just lift her up in prayer. It kind of puts things in perspective.

This news also has me thinking about Jared - he's a cancer survivor! I don't think about him having cancer too often (it happened before I knew him) but when I do I just thank God over and over for having a bigger purpose for Jared's life and for allowing me to be a part of it. He is a special man and the world is a much better place with him in it. My mother and grandmother both survived cancer as well and I feel so blessed to still have them with me. I pray that we never have to go through the horror of cancer again.

I woke up this morning and quickly realized what today is..... today marks the day that my precious niece went to be with Jesus. She was three months old and never knew life outside of the ICU but in her short time on this earth so many people were changed because of her little life. She had the sweetest eyes. I know I am changed because I knew her. I will never forget that day and I know we will see her again one day.

My heart is heavy today with all of these things. But I am filled with the promise that God is always with us. And I do not take one minute of this precious life for granted. It can all change in an instant and I'm doing my best to focus my attention on the things that matter.

"'The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.'"    Deuteronomy 31: 8