My family has been lucky, we've not lost anyone to cancer for the past decade. My great aunt has beaten breast cancer. My paternal grandmother's melanoma never resurfaced. Last year my mother (breast) and I (ovarian) both had cancer scares but all tests came back 100% negative for malignancy. We've never had an instance of pediatric cancer in our family.
Many families are not so blessed. Below is a post about my angel, written in 2006. In memory of Andy and all of the little boys and girls taken far too soon, any proceeds I make from book sales today will go to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
If you are blessed, like my family is, please remember all those who aren't. If your life has been touched by cancer, know that you are in our prayers.
Andy
I believe in Angels. My angel's name is Andy.
Andy was a fighter with a smile that his mother says lit up the world. He fought off cancer and brought hope to his family. He was the best big brother in the world. In an inexplicable twist of fate and pain, he was taken from his mother's arms by the remnants of the disease he had beaten so long ago.
Andy's mother is my friend. Her strength and bravery are a daily inspiration. She is a true lady.
Not long after Andy left us to be with Jesus, I lost my unborn child. I was devastated and scared and withdrew into a haze of self-pity and grief. One afternoon I had a dream that a beautiful red headed little boy stood beside my bed. He stroked my cheek and smiled. I knew in the way that you know things in dreams that this little boy was Andy. He smiled and said, "Don't cry. I'll watch over your baby. He's safe with me now."
Bless you Andy, for all your were on Earth, and all you are in Heaven.
