Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Coping With Death — #CancerSucks‼️



I received the news Sunday after church that another longtime friend, Gina Calk Crocker, lost her battle to that awful disease, cancer. She had passed away earlier that morning. I was actually sitting in Olive Garden with my little family when I received the text from a dear friend. I was heartbroken. 

She fought a long, hard battle and gave that disease a run for its money, but in the end - we lost her. 😪 I've known Gina since I was in jr high, and my heart is shattered, so I cannot imagine what her sweet family are going though. 

(Gina Crocker, May 17, 1970 - Nov. 12, 2017)
Since Sunday, I've tried to process this and make sense out of why so many precious people in my life are suffering with this horrible illness. 

I've tried to connect the dots of their lifestyles, their illnesses. Anything. Just to make one small connection that would help me wrap my mind around these losses — but I keep coming up with the same conclusion. Nothing. Just sadness. Confusion. Anger. 

There is no rhyme or reason. I do know, cancer is no respecter of person. It can claim any of us, at any time, and that is just unfair! 

(Michelle Piha, Feb. 25, 1973 - Oct. 11, 2017)
Everyone of these ladies were unique and special, just as their illness. 

Through my search, I did find one common consistency among them — their FIGHT! WOW! They each fought an amazingly and honorable war! They each showed strength beyond human ability to carry on and I so admire them. 

I will definitely miss each one. I will not pretend to be okay with these losses, and I will never understand, but I can promise you — I will never forget them either. 

I ask that you each stop and love yourself, love your spouse, love your family and love your friends. Treasure each breath you have the privilege to breath, because you just never know when it will be your last. 

(Kristin Huffman, Jan. 12, 1981 - Sept. 3, 2017)
I clearly do not understand. But one thing I do know for sure - Life is short! Make it count! We only get one chance to live out this "dash" that separates the beginning from the end. Don't waste one moment! 

In loving memory of each one of these brave warriors, I write this simple message just for them. 

Ladies, Kristin, Michelle, and Gina... 
THANK YOU for just being You! Thank you for the memories and blessings you brought me! May you Rest In Peace and know you will never be forgotten... You will reside forever in all of the hearts of those that had the honor to know you! To love you. To laugh with you. To cry with you. And, now, to rejoice with you as you receive your heavenly wings. I love you infinity! 😪💕 

My prayer: 
Heavenly Father, at this moment nothing seems to be able to help the loss I feel and the hurting I know these families are enduring. My heart is broken and my spirit mourns the loss of these great ladies I've had the privilege to call my friends. Although I do not understand this horrible disease that continues to claim precious lives, I do know that Your grace is sufficient. This day, this hour, and moment by moment, I choose to lean on You. For when I am at my weakest Your strength is at its strongest. I pour out my grief to You and I praise You that on that glorious day, when all suffering is extinguished and love has conquered. I know we shall all walk together again in your Heavenly presence. I lean heavily on Your Word and the promises they bring. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." (Matthew 5:4). Lord, I plead with You to wrap your loving arms around these families, and the children, as they continue to mourn the loss of their loved ones. Comfort them as only you can. In your precious name I pray. Amen 

#CancerSucks‼️ #TheyHaveTheirWings💔 #WeHaveTheirMemories💞

Blessings~
Candye 
"G18Mommy"

"...the battle is the Lord's" (I Samuel 17:47)

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