Dear Friend/Mother/Father/Grandma/Grandpa/Husband/Wife,

I love you so, so much. I know, it's crazy. How can you go from being completely healthy, with a full life in front of you one minute to being diagnosed with cancer the next?

It starts to creep up. It starts slowly and then almost overnight it had completely taken over. Your life is no longer yours. It belongs to this terrible disease that has turned your body against itself. It's crazy how one little confused cell can destroy an entire life.

So after numerous doctors’ visits, you finally get the diagnosis that just makes your heart drop and everyone around you. And then you paint on your brave face and say "Let's do this." Treatment starts and so do all the side effects that ravage your body. It all starts with lack of energy. And then food doesn't taste and you don't even have much of an appetite anymore. Then you lose your identity with the loss of your hair. You look in the mirror and you just see a shell of the person you once were before. Before this disease took over your body. Even when everyone around you is scared -- you are brave for them. When everyone else is worried -- you bring them peace. When everyone else is upset -- you comfort them. But who does all of these things for you?

When I look at you, I don't see a body taken over and held captive by cancer. No, I see a hero. I see someone I look up to. I see someone who embodies strength, character and endurance. I see an overcomer.

I don't care what type of cancer you have. I don't care what stage your cancer is. I don't care about the statistics. I don't care about the prognosis. I don't care about any of that. I do care that I love you. I care that God loves you and has a plan in this whole mess. I care that He has a plan and purpose for this suffering. I care that one day, this whole mess is going to be okay.

Two things can happen. We both know the possibilities and all that comes with them. As painful as they might be, either way, I know it's all going to be okay. Not today, but one day. I have faith in the Ultimate Redeemer. I have faith in His power over every situation, including this one. I have faith in His perfect plan. I have faith. And I'm not going to worry about what I can't control. I'm not going to let worry steal away my joy and my good days with you. So fight like hell, and have faith.

All my love.

"This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." John 11:4