November 28

Kelly-Anne would have been 32 on November 28. Hard to believe. Sounds very old (even to someone who is about to turn 32 herself)! Kell had big plans for her twenties--I would have loved to see what she could have accomplished in the past eight plus years. My best guess is lots of travel, a fun and rewarding career, and a loving, stable relationship. And maybe even a couple of babies! Oh, and I bet she would have made a point of seeing New Kids on the Block during their reunion tour.

It's hard to think about how much Kell missed out on. And how much we missed out on experiencing alongside her. But it is best not to think about it that way. Instead, I focus on the 24 birthdays Kell got to celebrate. I think often about the surprise party I threw for her 21st birthday. I'm glad we did that. I know she enjoyed the day and I enjoyed it too.

There are no guarantees in life. None of us knows how long we'll be here on this earth. I give thanks to God for the gift of each and every day I wake up. And I give thanks to God for each of the days he gave Kelly-Anne on earth.

May God comfort the Lougheeds

Little Lauren who I wrote about in my last post has been diagnosed with Leukodystrophy, a terrible illness that degrades the white matter in its victim's brains. The disease is incurable and progressive.

My heart breaks for Amanda and Steve. When I heard the diagnosis I spent a couple of hours researching the disease. Everything I read was worse than the next thing. I eventually began to feel nautious. I can't begin to imagine their pain and their suffering. They have been told that they will eventually lose their precious baby daughter. No one should have to suffer this way.

This amazing little family is constantly in my thoughts and prayers. I hope you will lift them up in yours as well. Lauren is an adorable and precious baby. Her parents need all the strength they can get to help take care of her and keep themselves stong and sane as they cope with tragic news.

You can follow along on Amanda and Steve's blog here.

Rallying the troops

One of my favorite things about Facebook is that it allows me to easily keep up with friends from the many stages of my life--church, elementary school, high school, college, grad school, work colleagues, etc.

I know when things are going amazingly well, but it also allows me to know when things are going less well. Today I'd like to ask you all to pray for my friends, Amanda and Stephen, and their daughter, Lauren. Amanda, Kell, and I went to the same high school and graduated the same year. Amanda is a great girl and it was so exciting to see her joy as a new mom after giving birth to her first child earlier this year. I've kept up with baby Lauren's developments, savoring the adorable photos of her as she grows and matures.



This week, however, Amanda found out that poor baby Lauren is very sick. You can read Amanda's heart-breaking story by clicking on her blog.

Please pray for baby Lauren. Please pray the doctors find out what is causing her illness and find a way to fix it. Pray that Amanda and Steve have the strength to get through this difficult time.

Thanks. I know they appreciate the support.

UPDATED, 11/17/2011--Lauren has been diagnosed with a terrible, terrible illness. Please continue to pray for the whole family.