There are two things weighing heavy on me tonight, or should I say this morning? (it's 2 am). The first is a family that I have never met. The second is a family that is practically my own.
Palmer Richardson is the niece of an acquaintance of mine. She lives in another state and I have never met her. I wish I had and maybe one day I will but for now I pray for her from afar. She has been battling leukemia for a few years. I found out about her in the beginning of her journey and have been following her story since. You can read about her amazing faith here.
Gina has been my best friend since my freshmen year of high school. She befriended me those first few months of school and we bonded over what one might call an unlikely set of circumstances. We were inseparable throughout high school and college. The kind of friends where when people saw one of us they immediately asked where the other one was (that still happens today!). When my family's home was flooded and under repair for six months, I moved in with the Meredith's and became just another member of the fam. We flowed in and out of each other's homes like they were our own and my parent's deemed Gina as one of their adopted daughters. We fulfilled a lifelong dream of both of ours by going to A&M. We made the best memories there and we often refer to that time as "the good 'ol days". Since graduating, we have lived in different cities but have remained the best of friends. When my dad was diagnosed with brain cancer and ultimately went to be with the Lord, Gina was right there walking through it with us. In the last 15 years (man, we're getting old!!) we have been through a lot together....first loves and shortly thereafter first heartbreaks, loss of family members, my wedding and babies and hers to come. It is rare today to have a friendship that rides the waves of life, good times and bad, but I honestly can't imagine my life without Gina in it.
Three months ago Gina's dad was diagnosed with brain cancer. Oddly enough it is the same type of tumor that my dad had. You can read about their journey here. One may think that is a weird coincidence but we know better. The Lord sealed our friendship long ago for such a time as this. Please pray for the Meredith's and the wearing stretch of road they are on.
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
3 comments:
Sis, you know how I feel about Gina. Sometimes I find myself thanking God for you for sending you a friend like her. It doesn't get a lot better than going through so many seasons, for a lifetime, with someone as loyal, kind and fun as gYna. Y'all are blessed to have each other:)
It's so good to know that Gina has you to lean on at this time. Thanks for adding the link to the blog. I will certainly be praying for the whole family as well as you. I'm sure that many of the struggles the Meredith family finds themselves in are ones that you can painfully recall. I love you and am praying for you all.
I am praying. Thanks for posting these updates. Love you.
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