This Friday August 23, 2013 my mom will be going in to have her surgery. Since my mom’s diagnosis in April, having surgery to remove the cancer has always been the primary goal. And here we are, almost 6 months later, finally preparing for it. The waiting period to get to this point has often times felt like it was moving at a snail’s pace and now that we’re here it all feels lightning fast and like we’re struggling to keep up.

While this is only one step, it is no doubt a big one. This kind of cancer is notorious for being difficult to get into remission, but our team of doctors feel strongly that my mom is in the prime window of opportunity right now to remove it successfully. The surgery is extensive and the recovery will not be easy, but my mom is focused and has her fight face on.

As we have stumbled, trying to navigate this road that has been set before us, we have been so richly blessed with an incredible support system. God has been so faithful throughout this time and we trust that He will continue to be with us. It is only by His grace that we are still here. We have all had many moments where our strength, courage, and faith have been shaken and from those moments we truly know that His grace is sufficient. His mercy and love have carried us and it is on Him that we rely fully, now more than ever.

As we prepare for my mom’s surgery on Friday, I would like to ask you for your prayers once again. The energy in our family this week seems to be changing constantly…We are hopeful. We are anxious. We are positive. We are trusting. We are fearful. We are at peace. Alternate and repeat.

Would you please pray for us?

Would you pray that peace would fill our hearts as we prepare for Friday?

Would you pray that my mom’s nerves and anxiety would be calm and that she would rest?

Would you pray that all would go smoothly and that there would be no complications?

Would you pray for a good and speedy recovery?

Would you pray for all of the doctors that are on her case, that they would have all the strength and wisdom they need to care for her?

And would you pray that as we wait for her surgery to be completed, that God would guard our hearts and minds from all the fears that try to creep in?

So many of you have walked with us in prayer and I can tell you with complete certainty that your prayers have carried us through so many moments when strength was quickly fading. Saying “thank you” seems trite, but it’s all I know to say. On behalf of my mom and my entire family, thank you for your love, support, encouragement, and especially your prayers.