cancer

"You really ought to get a mammogram, I just diagnosed a girl your age with breast cancer." our family doctor told me when I took my daughter to an appointment a few years ago.  I didn't think much about it, I was too busy taking care of my 3 little girls to think about going to the Dr.'s for myself.  But the thought was there, in the back of my mind.  Afterall, my grandma is a breast cancer survivor (Wahoo! Go Nanny!!!)  But, it wasn't until this year that I took our Dr's advice seriously.

  My sweet friend, Barb was diagnosed with breast cancer this fall.  She and I have a lot in common, we're both the same age, in fact, we are only a few days apart, we both have little girls, in fact, our kids are about the same age, too.  I feel helpless as to how to help her.  She lives on the other side of the country and so the only thing I can offer is lots and lots of prayers, and encouragement.  But, she is a fighter!  She is strong!   She just shaved her head, and we are all praying, praying, praying as hard as we can for her.
*update* visit this link for more about Barb and her fight!

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I've done self-exams and never felt a lump. But, we decided ("we" meaning my husband) that it was time for me to get a mammogram. 

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I went this morning and it was rather quick and mostly painless.  The ladies were nice, and they had mints and crackers in the waiting room.  Everything in my mammogram looks normal.  I feel blessed.   But, I would hope, if i was diagnosed with cancer, that I'd be a strong fighter like my grandmother and like Barb.

Source: whosays8isenough.org via Emily on Pinterest

So, after thinking about cancer all day, and thinking about the premature death of sweet baby Afton, I stumbled upon this video and found it rather fitting.  It talks about death.  That death isn't the end.  Through the grace of God and our loving Redeemer, life continues after this mortal life.
 


I feel so blessed that I have a testimony of eternal families.  I know we will see those who have passed on before us again.  Death, though it's scary and all sorts of freaky, is not the end.
If a man die, shall he live again?  To all within the sound of my voice i declare "he shall live again!"
xo-Danielle
PS: this post is dedicated to Maelynn, the sweet, always-speaks-her-mind, super woman who lost her battle in January.  I know we'll see her again someday.