My Heavy Heart

 One of the things I have said since the day we moved in here was that we may not have a big house but we are surrounded by neighbors who are like extended family.  We have watched each other have 17 children.  And those are just the ones 10 and under.  Winter is the only season that keeps this neighborhood in dormancy.   Otherwise, we are all outside every afternoon playing.  Not many people can say that about their own neighborhoods.  Everyone gets along and looks out for each other.

So, when something happens to someone, everyone knows about it and comes to offer support in any way that can be taken.  Tuesday night we found out that one of our neighbors, who is 5 years old, was diagnosed with cancer on the brain stem and surrounding areas.  My brain has been completely consumed with this for the past two days.  I cannot understand how these things can happen to such a little person.  4 weeks ago, she was a perfectly happy, healthy little girl and tomorrow she is facing a biopsy that will take two days to recover from.

If that isn't bad enough, there are two other children in the family who have to watch their little sister go through this.  And have their parents at CHOP with Gabby.  And we are 5 days away from summer vacation.  And all I want to do is take all this away and be able to go wake up these parents and tell them it is just a bad dream.

For now, all I can do is pray and pray and pray some more.  I am also hugging my children a lot more and playing with them a lot more, despite the laundry that needs to get done, or the meals that need to be prepared, or the bills that need to be paid.  I just need to turn this over to God and focus on how we can help this family.

So, if you are reading this post, please pray for Gabby and her family and then go and hug your family and say a prayer of thanksgiving that you are all healthy.