Diagnosa-Versary

February 12, 2014 Lilly's Journey Begins

Click on the Image above to read about her Diagnosis

It's been one year. One year since we heard those words "Lilly has Leukemia." I didn't know what it was like to have a broken heart until I learned that my child had cancer. I had never been at a lower point in my life. How were we going to get through this? How could I be strong for my Lilly? 

It has definitely been an emotional roller coaster this past year. There have been so many hard times... So many struggles Lilly has had to deal with - surgeries, allergic reactions, transfusions, medications, port issues, fevers, emergencies, exams... The list goes on and on. 

BUT, there have been so many good times too. We have a new "cancer family" that we rely on. I wouldn't wish this on anyone, but we have met amazing families who are going through this cancer journey as well and they have buoyed us up and helped us through hard times. We have made life long friends. We have had the opportunity to do things that we never would have done if Lilly didn't have cancer.

This morning I was talking to Lilly about her cancer journey so far... She remembers in detail the very first week. All the hard times, all the fears, a lot of tears. But then she said, "It was really hard at first, but it's ok now..." She's in a routine. She doesn't mind going to clinic - that's where she sees a lot of her friends!! She is used to getting her port accessed and getting chemo. It's normal to her. So, even though we have more than a year left, it's "ok" now for Lilly. She has grown up so much this past year.

I am grateful to a loving Heavenly Father who has carried us through the hard times. Never have we felt closer to God than during our lowest lows. He is near. He hears and answers prayers. And He comforts us when we need Him. Lilly has developed such a close personal relationship with her Heavenly Father. She knows that He is real and that she can pray to Him anytime, anywhere. I am reminded of the scripture Joshua 1:9 "...Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest."

Thank you for your love. Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for your support. Thank you for your gifts, and cards, and phone calls, and hugs, and food, and donations. It all means so much to us. Be Brave For Lilly!