Today, I want to ask you to keep someone I know in your prayers. Her name is April and she has leukemia.
She was diagnosed with it about a year ago. She has astounded everyone with her strength, spirit and faith as she has fought this battle.
She updates us via a blog called "Caring Bridge".
Early on, she was determined to not let the disease keep her from appreciating and enjoying her blessings during the time she was given.
She takes advantage of every opportunity to be with her family and friends. She appreciates the little every day gifts. . . a beautiful fall day, the plants in her yard, a trip to the park to meet up with her grand child, the Dairy Queen. When she was feeling stronger, she was able to take a trip with her daughter.
April has packed more real living into these twelve months than most of us do in years.
Her most recent post was a hard one to read, however. While she has shared some of the bad moments with us before, this one had a different tone. This time she told us that her bad days are now more frequent and worse and that she is experiencing moments of sadness, anger and doubt at how she physically feels. She shared how much easier it was to lift up her blessings when she was feeling more "normal".
Even at such a down point, however, she quickly pointed out that she still has choices and she still chooses to praise being able to remain home with her husband during this time, to talk on the phone with her grand child, to have been able to celebrate the Holidays with her her family and to enjoy small things that are often taken for granted when "life is good".
She concluded her post by reminding us to embrace our health, happiness and other joys while we still have them and to live each day to the fullest.
April's journey has made such an impact on the lives of so many. While dealing with physical discomforts and huge challenges of the disease, she has shown us how to live. . . what is important. . . how our attitude makes the difference. . . . how to appreciate the blessings that are all around us if we take the time to look. . . how to make the most of the gift of time.
So, I really hope you will keep April and her family in your prayers. I know they believe in the power and strength they provide.
In the meantime, we should try to follow her example.
We should celebrate and appreciate our time with our family. . .(note the PINK attire the Grand Girl was wearing!!!). . . .
as well as our furry family members. . . .
and those who not so furry members of our family!
We should celebrate and appreciate our time spent with friends, too.
As April said, we need to appreciate and celebrate our good health while we have it. . .
and never forget to appreciate the beauty that is all around us. . .
from the thousands of Christmas trees on a gorgeous October day. . .
to the mighty Missouri River in July. . .
to an Alaskan view in August. . . .
to the beauty of a wiggly wooly worm being admired by a beautiful, wiggly Grand Boy.
And always try to appreciate the funny stuff in life!
If you visit Beverly, of HOW SWEET THE SOUND, you will find many other bloggers with PINKS to share, too!
Beverly's dedication to Pink Saturday is so appreciated by those of us who link up week after week. Thank you, Beverly!
Have a great PINK SATURDAY.
DANA
So sorry to hear about your Dear Friend, April, but love her positive attitude and the choices she makes. What strong woman. I love being reminded about how blessed we all are. Life is a gift! Lets enjoy it. This is the day the Lord hath Made! Happy Pink Saturday, Dana.
Jillian
Bella Rosa Antiques
Posted by: Jillian | January 07, 2011 at 02:40 PM
Happy Pink Saturday, dear Dana.
This was such an emotional and sweet post. I will be holding April and her family close in my heart and prayers.
Each moment of life is a special gift from God.
Posted by: Beverly | January 07, 2011 at 03:15 PM
Happy Pink Saturday to you and yours, Char
Posted by: Char | January 07, 2011 at 03:35 PM
My heart is heavy Dana, I hope to live the message:@)
Posted by: Lynn@HappierThanAPigInMud | January 07, 2011 at 05:26 PM
Beautiful post. I am praying for April and her family.
Love, DIL
Posted by: DIL | January 07, 2011 at 06:45 PM
Dana - this is so touching and yes your friend will be in my prayers. Thanks for the reminder of the really important things in life to cherish while we can. Friends, family, kids and grandkids - that's what it's all about...right (and our pet family, too!) It seems to me you follow that advice in living life to the fullest and taking care of your health. I need to pay more attention - thanks for the reminder. xoxo Nancy
Posted by: Nancy | January 07, 2011 at 07:44 PM
Thank you for sharing this touching story. will think of your friend often and be remined of her courage.. Blessing to her and you
Posted by: Elaine | January 07, 2011 at 08:03 PM
This was wonderful. Yes, I will pray also for your friend, April. Life is a gift to be celebrated!
Happy Pink Saturday!
Posted by: Holly | January 07, 2011 at 08:33 PM
Happy Pink Saturday Dana Sweetie...
Oh thank you for the beautiful share today. How wonderful to
share your friend, April with us. We are all so BIG in number,
and that is what we are here for. To support each other and
pray for each other when we are needed. I immediately sent up
a prayer for April and I will continue to add her to my prayer
list. God hears our prayers and we know that it can be powerful
in numbers. Please keep us posted sweet friends.
Yes this past year, when I got sick, and losing most of my voice,
permanently, it has changed how I see things, how I see others,
and believe me I don't take anything for granted, not even a little
leaf or flower, or smile, even a little giggle catches my ears.
I love the pink grand daughter, isn't she precious, and your pink
toast is lovely as well. Have a gorgeous Pink Saturday, and now
that April is in our prayers. Many hugs and much love, Sherry
Posted by: Sherry | January 07, 2011 at 09:13 PM
Prayers lifted Dana...............Hugs :)
Posted by: Miss Rhea | January 08, 2011 at 12:50 AM
I will be keeping April and her famnily in my prayers.
Thank you for the post.
Posted by: nancy clifton | January 08, 2011 at 07:04 AM
Dana, this post is very sad and very inspiring. April is fighting the kind of battle that no one wants to fight. Her attitude makes a difference to everyone she knows. I admire her so much. Even with some down days she is truly a person to admire in every way. Blessings and prayers for her will be said on her behalf. I 'believe' in prayer.
I love the photos you shared with us. Your family is so precious and sometimes we forget as we move through our busy days, to give thanks for our blessings in life. This story sure is a heads up for us all.
We are having a grand time with all the wedding excitement. The rehearsal dinner at the mystery theater was so much fun. The play was a wedding. HA! So appropriate and no one knew what the play would be. We laughed throughout the whole thing and the food was delicious. Prime rib to die for, and key lime pie for dessert. Mmmmmm.
I have to do my hair so I better get busy.
Love, Jeanne
Posted by: Jeanne | January 08, 2011 at 07:06 AM
What a wonderful post, Dana...brought tears to my eyes. I lost my mother 2 years ago to Leukemia. Your friend, April, is truly inspiring and she will be in my thoughts and prayers (as well as her family & friends).
Society in general can learn so much from April's attitude towards life!
Be well & Happy New Year.
Posted by: Marie @ Sally Lee by the Sea | January 08, 2011 at 08:22 AM
Happy Pink Saturday Dana. This is a beautiful post! I will keep your friend in my thoughts.
Posted by: Betty @ She's Sew Pretty | January 08, 2011 at 09:41 AM
I will definitely keep her in my prayers. Thank you and her for reminding me to be Thankful for all I have been given. Take care.
Posted by: Donnie | January 08, 2011 at 10:01 AM
Just said a prayer for renewed strength for your friend. What a moving post, Dana. I think that living each day to the fullest is SO important, and I loved every word and picture of this post.
XO,
Sheila :-)
Posted by: Mrs. Magpie | January 08, 2011 at 10:04 AM
What a great post! I said a prayer for April and asked God to remind me to pray for her continually. Thanks for the wonderful reminder to cherish every minute. Right now I'm sitting on my bed reading posts while my 6-year-old son, Cainan, colors a picture in "my special coloring book". The rest of my family is in the living room setting up shelves so I can arrange all my special pink treasures. What a wonderful life!
HaPpY pInK sAtUrDaY!
Sarah
Posted by: Sarah | January 08, 2011 at 10:51 AM
I am sorry to hear about your friend April. She is in my prayers. But, what a wonderful post and a great reminder to never take for granted our day to day life!
Posted by: Diann @ The Thrifty Groove | January 08, 2011 at 11:19 AM
Beautiful post, Dana, and I just said a prayer for April. Your granddaughter looks Pretty In Pink!
Happy PS!
Carol
Posted by: Carol @ Old Glory Cottage | January 08, 2011 at 12:03 PM
oh best wishes to your friend! and to you as you support her through her fight! I love the grand's heart hat! very cute. and the photo of the runners!
my New Year's Resolutions: Celebrate everyday and try to be a lady *giggles - I think the first will be easier than the second!*
Posted by: Cailin Yates | January 08, 2011 at 04:17 PM
Hi Dana; April has inspired us all and she's right. We should be this way all the time. I pray for you and her and her family. I ask God to take this child in His Mighty Hands and cradle her to perfect health through Jesus Christ. I ask God to breath supernatural life into her and may the angels go forth with the blowing of winds and trumpets, My They Sing Her to Perfect Health. She is so annointed in the Holy Spirit. God Bless all of you and thank you for this is what we are all about; to pray and be grateful and to remain humble. You have touched my heart so deeply. How gracious are all of you. Love Terri -- www.morningdewdrops.typepad.com
Posted by: terri | January 08, 2011 at 07:39 PM
I will keep April in my thought Dana. Thanks for making me sit here and think about all the wonderful things and moments that surround me.
Happy PS
Love Claudie
xoxoxox
Posted by: Claudie | January 08, 2011 at 09:21 PM
An amazingly poignant and beautiful post, Dana. I will certainly keep April in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Pat@Back Porch Musings | January 09, 2011 at 10:02 AM
I am sorry to hear of your friend April. I will add her in my prayers...I am a believer in prayer. I think the whole universe is resounding with prayer right now....as I have experienced myself, and heard of others pain and loss these past 2 months.
I agree...we certainly can not afford to take things for granted. We must embrace life ........each little wonderful thin.
Posted by: wendy | January 09, 2011 at 07:12 PM
Dana, what a Beautiful post today. Thanks for the reminder, we need to stop and enjoy each day. April and her family are in my thoughts and prayers...Hugs Pat H
Posted by: Pat H | January 11, 2011 at 04:53 PM
I love your blog and awarded you with the Stylish Blogger Award! You can check it out on today's post! :)
Sarah
Posted by: Sarah | February 05, 2011 at 05:24 PM