Not Such Good News

Last Tuesday we found out some bad news. My grandmother, father's mother, has found out that her cancer is back. Her journey fighting cancer has been a long road- one I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. Grandma was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2004. I remember it so well, because I was pregnant with Bubbie. I can remember traveling up to Tennessee right before her chemotherapy was about to start. She was so full of life and her regular go-go self. Then, I don't think we saw her again until Christmas and Bubbie was a few weeks old. She, of course, didn't have much hair left and she was tired. She had had such a rough year with chemo and had said she wouldn't do it again. We were all very hopeful that she wouldn't have to face the choice of whether to do it again. Well, it came back. Again. And again. Its back now for the fourth time and each time, she's fought it. She's clung to Christ for strength. Her family, faith and friends have become even more important to her. She is such a wonderful example to me. She doesn't give up. She still has joy and love and hope. She knows her purpose in life and I've had so many countless people come up to me and tell me over the years what an awesome inspiration she is to them.

I don't know why she has this cancer again. Why can't she just fight it once and be done with it? Why four times? This time the cancer is a little scarier and we'll know more details in a few weeks. I know my grandparents- either set- won't be around forever. I am so blessed- SO BLESSED that my children KNOW both sets of their great grandparents. I wish we lived closer, but am so thankful that both sets are able to go and travel and still come down and see us often. I know many people cannot say that. Bubbie is old enough to remember things about each set and have a relationship with. I pray that each one of my grandparents will be able to hold Baby Bean- even if they can't watch all three boys grow up and get to know them, but for them to just meet them would mean the world to me. I think over the years, when my grandparents have faced different medical scares, I have breathed a quick prayer- "Please let so and so make it through this." I remember asking God years ago for my grandparents to all be able to see me get married. Its been seven years since Hubbie and I got married. Never did I think that I would have my grandparents watching me become a mother. Just surreal and an awesome blessing.

My grandmother has always been on the go. She does not stop. She is always doing something. This particular set of grandparents use to ride bikes with us and go hiking and swimming and take us to the beach. They were always moving and going and seeing new things. Grandma sews and paints and does crafts. Her and my grandfather keep going by doing tons of service projects and missions teams and small groups at church. I've never seen two "older" people with such an active schedule and social life. My grandparents still live in the same area that they both grew up in and they know EVERYONE. Its hilarious at how many people they know and talk to and my grandmother is just a go-getter! Cancer has tried to slow her down and in ways, age has played a part, but they still go to the beach and sight see and travel and take cruises and live life. I think that is probably the best lesson they could pass on to their family- even with all these medical scares over the last 5 or 6 years, they've still embraced life and decided that they would enjoy their days while they have them!

So, if you think about it, say a prayer for my grandmother. She has another difficult situation before her and I can't imagine having to go through what she has faced before her. Pray that she has the strength to fight this for good. Pray for the outcome of the upcoming tests and that they come back better than expected. We are ultimately praying for God to completely heal my grandmother and for whatever was found to be wiped out.