Cancer sucks

Everyone we know has been touched by cancer in some way. My life has personally been touched by not only my own battle with cervical cancer but by friends and family who have battled different cancers, some won and some lost. Its such a terrible disease and reality is that it can happen to anyone at anytime. Today I share with you another story of a loved one who recieved his diagnosis this morning. He is my 19yr old cousin, Hayden.

After several months of not feeling well and several trips to the doctor, this last trip is the one that we will remember forever. Feeling weak and dizzy, he arrived at the doctor with blood levels far lower than any human should have. He was then rushed by ambulance to the hospital emergency room and underwent multiple blood transfusions and tests. He spent the night in the hospital with more tests in the morning as family stood by his side waiting for answers. As doctors closed in on the cause, stress and heartache set in. Prayers were said, hugs were given and tears were flowing. Once they had a diagnosis, a teenage boys life changed forever. This morning he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). 

My heart is broken. His sister is supposed to get married September 1st, with her brother walking her down the aisle. As of right now, we don't know what will happen. So many questions, so little answers. He is undergoing ultrasounds to determine where it started and how fast it's progressed. He is being transferred to the cancer ward and has to undergo a year of aggressive chemo therapy. He has to stay at the hospital...he won't be coming home.

Although he may not read this, I need to get it out there. I heal with words. Hayden, this is for you:

There are no words that can take away your pain. There are not enough tissues that can dry your tears. I have no powers that can heal you or make life fair. But I have a heart that will love you forever. I have hands that you can hold, shoulders that you can cry on and strength that you can lean on for comfort and support. I will lend an ear you can talk to, a presence to sit with you, tears that will cry with you and arms that will hug you. YOU are a strong, stubborn, loving person who has enough fight to kick this cancers butt. WE believe in you. I believe in you. You have the biggest, strongest, most supportive family of anyone out there and we stand behind you the entire way. You will never be alone. We love you. Keep your chin up, stay strong and fight with everything you've got! You are in my prayers... I love you and I will forever!

Friends, hug your family a little tighter and a little longer today. Tell them you love them everyday. Life is too short.

Heartbreak

When tragedy strikes, it puts life into perspective. Today, I was reminded just how precious life is and how important it is to tell those you love just how much you love them because nothing in life is a guarantee.

A student lost her mother very tragically and very unexpectedly today. Her mother was at work, collapsed and then transported to the hospital where unfortunately, she didn't make it. The student's father is disabled and unable to drive, so her uncle came to the school to not only pick her up but to tell her that her mother just died. As I was talking to this man, I could see the pain, the hurt and the worry in his eyes. I have known both his niece and his sister-in-law for the past 5 years and as he was talking, I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes. It took everything I had to keep myself under control and calm. After the initial shock and realization that such a tragic event had just happened, the numbness set in as I walked his niece into the room where the news of her mothers passing was about to unfold. I felt empty, heartbroken and I just wanted to hug her. That poor girls whole life was about to change...her world turned upside down in a split second without warning. As I walked away, I thought, did she tell her mom goodbye this morning? Did she hug her or kiss her? Did she tell her she loved her? My heart sank and the tears started streaming down my cheek...I could not imagine. So sad.

So friends, hug your moms, your dads, your husbands, your boyfriends, your kids, all your family, your friends, and everyone in your life you love. Tell them everyday how much you love them and how much they mean to you because you never know if you'll get another chance.