My Inspiration: 7/10/2014

These last few nights I've found myself crying as I've drifted off to sleep. It reminds me of those first weeks, well those first few months, after Dad's diagnosis, where I cried myself to sleep most nights. I don't say this wanting pity, I say this with true honesty, that although I fully trust in God's path for our family- that I truly believe God so perfectly created this path for us to travel together- that doesn't make some days any easier or the realization that my Dad has Brain Cancer any easier. 

I tend to find myself leaning on others who have experienced this terrible fight against cancer, I find myself searching for others, that although faced with mountains of fear and anxiety, have reached the top of the mountain using faith, friends, and family. And I found a story that truly inspired me, a story that brings life back into perspective, and last night these tears of fear, anxiety and sadness I've had in prior nights, were replaced with tears filled with hope, love and compassion. 

I came across a story on Facebook- 'Team Hurst'- http://hurstfamilyupdate.blogspot.com/. A story that is so similar to our story- a story of Brain Cancer, a story of a father fighting for his life, and a story filled with faith. I read the entire blog, with tears streaming down my face, and I was left with a smile on my face. The story didn't end in remission, but instead ended by showing the ultimate faith in God's plan. To say I was inspired by this family would be an understatement, as they helped to restore my faith in God's plan for Dad. 

The father's life ended too soon, although his story included a hard fought battle, with his wife and children standing by his side. And now, the blog continues- as the mother and wife to such a courageous fighter, writes about her life- life after her loss. I'm in awe of her strength and faith, as here is just one quote from her blog that just made me put it all in perspective again:

"If I look back at all the times I questioned God and his non-perfect timing in my book, I see it was nothing but perfect. Perfect, because through the wait, the frustration, the trials, he was perfecting my trust in him. He was changing me. David and I both agree, through the trial of Cancer we became stronger for it, we loved others deeper because of it and we lived freely for it." (http://www.danahurst.com/blog/)

So often I feel as though things are left unsaid with those who inspire us and so often we forget to thank those who have made a true difference in our lives, that being said, I felt the need to share with Dana how she inspired me and thank her for her faith and sharing her story with the world. I know it's not easy to be so incredibly open about something that is so personal, dealing with Cancer and the loss of a loved one, but I am so appreciative of people like her who do- because it helps me realize that there are others who truly understand our fight, others who know the fear and anxiety I feel. I didn't necessarily need a response or expect one, as I know she is incredibly busy with two small children, but the response I received was nothing I could have ever imagined:

"How sweet and heart felt that you took the time to read our story. What is your father's name? I would like to pray for him! I hope reading the blog you know, I felt and still feel the fear, anxiety and worry. But,as you said...I hand it to God. It is way too big for me to fight on my own. I am simply surviving:) Keep your faith strong...Praying for you Whitney...and most importantly thanking God for you walking hand in hand with him!"

If I wasn't crying before I went to sleep last night, I was without a doubt crying after I received this message. To have a complete stranger ask to pray for my Dad says so much about her faith and compassion for others, I am so blessed to have found this story and be connected to someone who's faith I admire so much.

There is no coincidence in life, as I'm truly blessed to have "stumbled" across her blog and I'm truly blessed to be able to witness her faith on a journey that is so similar to ours. 

I ask for continued prayers as Dad starts another round of chemo next week, followed by another Avastin treatment. I'll never lose hope, and I'll never stop praying for a miracle- because when chances are 1 in a million, we will fight to be that 1.