January 3, 2012, my mother died very unexpectedly at the age of 59, of a massive heart attack. Seven weeks prior, in November of 2011, my husband's mother passed away unexpectedly, too.
Death is difficult and I wanted my boys to feel as protected and as comfortable as possible, even though they had lost both of their Grandmother's. Things were hard for a long time, but with God's grace and love, and the prayers of many, we survived beautifully.
Not even two weeks ago, on March 18, 2016, I received a devastating phone call at work that my father had tragically taken his own life. We were in complete and total shock because this was extremely uncharacteristic of him. Although death is hard no matter what the circumstances, this has truly been the most traumatic event I have ever experienced.
A few days after his death, a very precious friend who I work with called me into her office and gave me a Giving Key Bracelet. The word on my key was STRENGTH; and boy did I need it.
Today, I paid it forward with my Giving Key. We have very dear friends and their 11 year old daughter is battling cancer for the 2nd time in her sweet little life. Her name is Olivia. She first battled Ewing's Sarcoma, and won! However in October, a scan revealed that the cancer was back and with a vengeance.
She is now battling leukemia. Her bone marrow transplant is set to begin on April 6, 2016; but before they can perform the transplant, they have to give her very aggressive chemotherapy for an entire week to make certain that every cancer cell is out of her body.
So, before Liv left for the hospital today, I gave her my key. Her mom and I just sat in my office and cried like babies. I know that Liv is EXACTLY who God wanted me to give the key to and I hope and pray that it will provide her with the same peace & strength that it provided for me.