I watch in hope for the Lord

A friend of mine from high school is facing a fight that we all see and think, "Oh, that wouldn't happen to us".  Her husband is literally fighting for his life battling Stage 4 Melanoma.  I went to middle school and high school with Rachel and her twin sister, Sarah.  Like many friends from high school, Facebook has connected us again.  When I saw the news that Rachel's husband was fighting melanoma, I immediately hit my knees.

8 years ago next month, our family lost a very dear friend to the same.  She was young, 32, and had an almost 2 year old son.  Melissa was diagnosed with melanoma in April before Rob and I were married in June of 2004.  They thought they'd gotten in, but, in June of 2005, it came back and was everywhere.  Melissa is one of my very best friend's sister, and our families are very close.  She was like a sister to Mandie and me.  I think about Melissa everyday, and am still in awe of the grace she displayed in her fight.  I remember when we found out that it was back, I couldn't even say anything to her for the tears.  She liked raspberry ginger-ale, so, I took some to her Mom's house where she was staying.  I literally, couldn't speak.  Her battle was fierce and quick.  And devastating.  Mandie was pregnant with Emma and would go and stay with Melissa during the day sometimes.  We've talked about those visits and the irony of one life entering the world and one slipping away.  Emma was born July 28th and Melissa was buried in early August.  Melissa was courageous and graceful and beautiful.

Rachel and Kevin's story strikes a cord with me, particularly, because of Melissa.  I pray so much for them and their small children.  I pray that he is the miracle we were unable to experience 8 years ago.  I pray that the trial he's undergoing with these TIL cells is a cure for him and others to come.  I pray for strength for his incredible wife.

I pray for my dear friend who lost her sister.

If you would like to pray for the Hill family, please follow their story at http://www.aquietlife.net/.

"But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me."  Micah 7:7