Each Day is a Gift

I lost my temper with my two little guys today.  They were supposed to be napping and instead they climbed on a bookshelf, tipped it over along with everything on it, got fingers slammed in a closet, jumped on the bed, threw everything in their room on the floor, and all around were NOT taking their nap.  When I went to discipline them I raised my voice and lost my temper.  Then I stormed out of the room having given them threats about hearing one more noise coming from their bedroom.

Bri

Then I heard the song "Little Wonders" by Rob Thomas playing on a TV show.  I immediately started crying.  This is why: that song plays on the blog of my high school friend Briana.  She is an absolutely incredible 31-year-old mother of 4 young children who is in the final stages of a valiant battle with cancer.  She was the picture of health: marathon runner, road biker, mountain biker, and all around athletic, fit, etc.  Then in November 2008 at 29-years-old, she received a diagnosis of stage 4 colon cancer that had spread to the liver, ovaries, and other areas.  Since that time she has kept an amazing blog journaling her experiences and testimony through chemotherapy, radiation, surgeries, brain tumors, serving in Young Women during that time, a stroke at girls camp, and so much more.  Through it all she constantly shows a positive attitude and strength; always talking about her beautiful family, her love of motherhood, and sharing her faith in the gospel.  She displays complete unselfish love for her kids and husband.     Briana will probably never know what an example she has been to me.

Stephens Family

One recent post on her blog, Walking In The Unknown (click here to read it), had me thinking about what she and her husband must be facing now with so many big decisions you never expect to be making at 31 years old.  The prospects of returning to her Father in Heaven soon and her family facing the rest of their time on earth without their wife and mother, but still praying for miracles and survival if it's the Lord's will.  Today as steam was rising from my head while I was fuming about my kids that song made me stop dead in my tracks and realize that EACH DAY IS A GIFT.  Every single moment I have with my wild, rambunctious, goofy, giggly boys is an absolute blessing.  I have no idea what the future holds for our family.  Life is precious and I need to treasure every moment.

I'm so grateful I have this little monkey

and this monkey

If you want to read more about Briana's story, click here and you can read through her blog.  Make sure to have some tissues.