please, please pray.

If you've been reading here for awhile, you might remember my sweet friend, Danielle...

She's my organizery twin. She understands the importance of a good list... a good notebook... a fun and colorful planner... all those important things that we listy people like. =) 

She's sweet and kind and gorgeous and thoughtful. She was one of the few people who knew I was interviewing for a job back here in the spring of 2012. Despite her busy schedule and her own classroom and kids, she managed to drop off a sweet gift at my school that day. Daisies... in a mason jar... with the adorable daisy stamped metal lid... and a sweet chalkboard label. Along with a sweet, encouraging note and best wishes. So thoughtful. She has the whitest teeth and the prettiest smile. I just adore her. 

We were never lucky enough to teach in the same building, but she was pretty much the only reason I looked forward to some of those district meetings. We never got to spend enough time together. 

We could talk about almost anything and we laughed at how similar we are. 

I asked for prayers for Danielle and her sweet family 3 years ago when her daughter, Britton, was getting ready to have surgery on her cleft palate. Her surgery ended up going beautifully and Danielle appreciated all your prayers so much. Britton is now an adorable little 4 year old. Seriously. Look how sweet she is... 

And... she now has a super cute 2 year old brother, named Cole. (Can you see those *blue* eyes?!)

I honestly can't remember the last time I actually saw Danielle's face, or heard her voice... but she's one of those friends that no matter how long it's been since we've talked... we can still pick up where we left off. 

An occasional email and random texts have kept us connected since we moved away 20 months ago. 

But I wasn't prepared for her latest email... 

This gorgeous young girl (she just turned 32 a few days ago) was diagnosed with breast cancer last week. 

They don't know the name of the cancer at this point, but they do know that it is aggressive. It has spread to surrounding tissue and possibly the lymph nodes in her left arm. Danielle is scheduled for a double mastectomy on April 1 and will begin chemo shortly after that. 

Her attitude is nothing short of amazing. But I wouldn't expect any less. 

I have made peace with having this cancer. I know and believe with all my heart God is carrying me through this journey.  I just desire to know the plan of attack.  Once I know exactly where the cancer is and what the treatment plan is, I feel like I am fully prepared to travel this journey full steam ahead.  :)

Will you pray for this gorgeous family? For Matt and Danielle and Britton and Cole? 

For Matt... as he tries to be strong for his wife and kids. Tries to keep working and focus on his job, while his mind must be thinking of 1,000 other things. While he helps coach a high school basketball team in the state tournament. While so much of him must want to be able to "fix" this and make it better and he tries to surrender this over to God and let Him be the one to make it better. 

For Danielle... as she tries to continue to be the wife and mom she wants to be, while dealing with the stress and shock and feeling completely overwhelmed by everything that has happened in the last few weeks. While she tries to keep life as normal as possible for her two kids, despite the fact that her world has been turned upside-down. While she worries about her little first graders, and her classroom, and teaching (because I know she will be. It's just what teachers do.) While she learns to accept help and support from the many, many people that are offering, even though she doesn't like asking for help. 

For Britton and Cole... that they would make life easy on their momma and be able to be flexible and adjust to all the changes that are going to be happening in their little lives. That they would give their momma sweet smiles and hugs and be the encouragement she needs to keep fighting this fight. 

For all their close friends and family... that they would know how to support Danielle during this time. Know when to step in and help and know when to walk away and give them space. To know that their prayers and encouraging words are so important right now. 

{Danielle's family with her parents-in-law, brother-in-law and his family}

I am still in a state of shock and disbelief about this whole diagnosis.
It's somewhat fitting that her surgery is scheduled for April 1st. Part of me still thinks this is some awful joke or mistake.
Danielle can't have cancer. She's too young. Too healthy. Too full of life.
But somehow, cancer doesn't think people are too young. Or too healthy. Or too full of life.
Cancer just comes and does what cancer does.
And it sucks.

But we know that there is something stronger than cancer. Something more powerful.
We know this and we believe it with all our hearts.

Will you join me in praying?
Praying for strength and healing and understanding?

You are in my thoughts and prayers so often, Danielle. I only wish I could do more.
Draw from the strength of others and rest in His Hands right now.
Love you, friend!

"So do not fear, for I am with you; 

do not be dismayed, for I am your God. 

I will strengthen you and help you;  

I will uphold you with my righteous hand." 

Isaiah 41:10

There is a page set up for Danielle by a friend where they will post updates, you can leave wishes, etc. 

I'm not sure if you can view it unless you are registered, but just in case: click here.

Thank you so much for all the prayers!