Another lost... another taken away.

Once upon a time, I remember thinking how lucky I was that I never had a loved one or friend diagnosed with or suffering from cancer. My grandfather had colon cancer, but it was before I understood what it was--probably before I was born, and he survived. I guess I should have taken the opportunity to knock on wood...

It seems that cancer is becoming an ever present part of reality as I get older. I almost feel I should prepare myself to battle this disease at some point. It's that real & can affect any part of the body--often asymptomatic until it is too late. If you are reading this, I hope you will take a quick moment to pray--or just take a quick moment of silence--in memory of the millions struck down by cancer. One day, living a normal life. The next, branded by cancer--facing a fight for life--a race to maximize time left with family and friends.

What brought this about? Recently, an old family friend full of life, spirit, well-known to her community, and well-loved by all was diagnosed with cancer for the second time. Years ago, when I was in high school, she had breast cancer, beat it, and went into remission. This spring she was diagnosed with bile duct (gallbladder) cancer & it claimed her life Friday afternoon. She was so alive, so young, such a beautiful person...

I just hope one day we beat cancer.... Uncontrolled cell growth... Who would have thought it could cause us so many headaches, tears, losses??? I will end with this.... Job 1: Verse 21

At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship ²¹ and said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised."

Everything happens for a reason, but sometimes we aren't allowed to understand why.