Our second year, we continued to be excited about seeing our new football friends at each game. When they didn't show up to a game it led us in serious disappointment. Chad is really good friends with Taylor's cousin Bill, and since Bill gets us the tickets, we were always in our same seats with the same friends! Sadly that year we became aware that Lana had found a spot on her skin. She had been looking at wedding pictures (I am praying that I get this story right) and realized that the spot looked bigger/different than it had in her pictures. She immediately went in to have it checked. The news was devastating, it was Melanoma, and it was in her lymph nodes. She fought the battle for two years gracefully, dignified, humbled, beautifully and spiritually she was a rock. I will never forget how she carried herself for the brief moments we saw them at the games. ALWAYS uplifting and positive. One day she had this adorable and really cute purse on. The strap went over her shoulder. It ended up that this purse was purely for the purpose of holding the container that was connected through wires to her body to drain fluids from her. The bag was so cute though, she was going to start making them for other cancer patients. I remember just being in awe of such a beautiful spirit. Words really cannot express the good feelings and thoughts I had when I thought of her. I prayed for her quite a bit that year, and when the football season was over, I tried to get updates through Bill and Johnna. As the year wore on, so did her cancer. It would go in remission and then come back quickly, and in more places, if I am not mistaken.
Last year we did not see them too often at the games. The cancer had come back, spread, and she had decided that they would fight it with a different treatment. I was in awe that she still looked/was beautiful, peaceful and sure that God's will was at work. She was a walking testament to the Lords plans.
This morning I found out that yesterday Lana passed away. My heart hurts with the sadness that our world, as temporary as it is, has lost a wonderful woman. My heart hurts even more for her husband Chad, and her family. You see I know that she is at peace and finally feels no pain and is living it up with God. Getting all her questions answered and looking down upon her friends and family. It is the pain and grief that I know her loved ones feel that makes me cry. I pray for their peace and comfort through this difficult time. I pray that they will feel the Lords hand holding them all together and close, healing them with time. Lana was here for a short time, and if she touched my life as quickly and powerfully as she did, then I know that every single person that came in contact with her was filled with her beauty and spirit in her presence as well. You will be missed Lana.
You can find out about Chad and Lana's story and journey on their website: www.fisherags.com
Psalm 23
The Divine Shepherd
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I fear no evil;
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff—
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
my whole life long.
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