Our survivor...

I write this post with a heavy heart, but also a heart full of hope and faith. Earlier this month, Michael got a phone call from his parents and they shared the news with him that his mom had been diagnosed with breast cancer. We were devastated by the news, but her strength and positivity helped to give us hope. Also, having two aunts who have recently survived breast cancer also gave me comfort, knowing that Jill could fight this! Michael got involved and wanted to be at every appointment with his mom. He is such a wonderful man and he loves his mom so much. She underwent a double mastectomy on Thursday. For such a stressful and worry-filled day- Jill exuded such calmness and strength. She was surrounded by family and friends who love her deeply and who were praying constantly for her health. There were so many of us that we had to rearrange the waiting room! We dressed in pink, wearing pins with Jill's beautiful face on them to help show her support and our love. We received our first answer to prayer when the surgeon came out and said her lymph nodes showed no sign of cancer. Thank you Lord! There is still a journey ahead for Jill and we are thankful for all those who have kept her in their prayers. She is a remarkably strong woman and I have every faith in the world that she will beat this. I don't think I could be as courageous and positive as she has been. I'm so very proud of her, and I feel so blessed to have her as my mom-in-law. As Michael wrote to his mom, "My Mom. My Survivor."