I met Aunt Judith when I traveled to AR just after Zach and I had started dating. He has AR family like I have MS family. Most of his mom's family live over there and I was brave enough to meet them so early in our relationship. They were so wonderful and made me feel so welcome, even though at this point I was simply the "girlfriend" and barely even that.
Before I met her I suspected she would be like my Aunt Lisa. (Huge complement!) I was right. She's smart, fun, not afraid to speak her mind, and makes you laugh. She loves her family like crazy, but loves her Savior even more. In the short years since meeting her and becoming part of the family we have spent little time together. It's hard when you live so far apart, but when I have been around her it's almost like no time has passed. She is someone I truly respect.
Just recently she has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
And just when I start to think "How could this happen to her?" She's healthy and active and eats right. She's such a good person. This is not supposed to happen to her. Why?
Melanie shares this email with us that Judith had sent her two days after receiving her diagnosis. Written to help her family understand what she was thinking:
After calling Mom this morning, reading my Bible and praying (which I do every morning), a bowl of high fiber cereal, fruit and skim milk, I got dressed and went to the gym. Walked on the treadmill for 30 minutes, worked on weights for 30 more, did stretching exercises, all the while listening to Queen, Clapton and Sting on my ipod. Found myself almost dancing a time or two (Clapton's Rollin' and Tumblin' still wows me). I left the gym, went to the salon (yeah, in my gym clothes) and had my nails done. They look hot!
I came home and ate a healthy lunch while I watched tv. Now I think I'll have a nap. Laundry needs to be done and so does my hair. I've got a new dress to wear to church tomorrow as well as a new pair of shoes. I do love pretty clothes! Gotta go to Walmart and stock up on the healthy fresh fruit and veggies that I love to eat.
The point of this seemingly meaningless narrative is this:
I know I have some painful, miserable, scary days ahead. BUT NOT TODAY! And not every day for the rest of my life--just SOME DAYS. This ordeal may take 6 months or a year, but it will be over. By this time next year, it should be a not so cherished memory. And not EVERY day of this next year will be a bad one--there'll be some good days mixed in with the bad. When it's a bad one, I'll look forward to the next good one. And when I have a good one, I will MAKE THE MOST OF IT!
I refuse to let this disease, no make that CANCER (call it by its name, take away its power)--------I refuse to let this cancer rob me of the good days, especially those between now and the surgery! I am so thankful for all the blessings God has given me and I intend to enjoy and appreciate those blessings every day. This day is a good day. I am strong and in good health (with the exception of a tiny group of cells in my body). I have every material thing I need and much more. I have a family that loves me to the max, as well as a city full of friends who care. I have a job that gives me daily goals to reach and provides for me. I have so much, but most of all, I have a Savior who loved me so much He died for me, so that when I mess up, I am always forgiven! He will give me everything I need during this ordeal and for the rest of my life.
OK, I'm gonna go get that nap (the Razorbacks are already behind anyway). I just was having these thoughts and figured it might help all of you to see inside my head. I love you all.
TODAY IS A GOOD DAY!
And I am reminded that we have a very big God. He is bigger than all of this. He has a plan. Is in control. And will not leave us.
I am also reminded how amazing she is.
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