Grateful Sunday
Today I am grateful for being a member of my church. Members whose lives are crashing in around them are blessed with a built-in support and service MACHINE. Seriously, it is a well-oiled machine. I am SO unbelievably grateful for that. I am also grateful for the friends I have met through my membership in this church. I have been blessed to know some VERY great people.
One of those people is Courtney Flynn. She is SO amazing. She is always happy and she has the best outlook on life. She is the worlds greatest listener, and SO sweet and SO kind. She is also beautiful. I could go on and on about the things she has taught me. We were supposed to go on a girls' night Friday night, but girls' night was cancelled. I was so sad cause i haven't seen her for EVER (we aren't in the same ward anymore)... Sadly, it was cancelled cause she was diagnosed with leukemia. Anyways, this is a quote from an email we got from her husband todd:
She is strong though, and that strength was evident only moments after the diagnosis, after the sobs subsided, when she quipped, "And I just spent an entire year growing my hair out."
Back to being grateful: the machine is in full force, and although I am not in her ward anymore, I hope i can be a part of it too.Anyways, so many people go through hard times, and especially on a day like today, I am grateful that if/when a need arises, I, too, can rely on people who love me and WANT to help even though they aren't even in my family.
So please add the Flynns to your prayers. She has 4 children (the oldest is 8 and the youngest is almost 2). Also, add my neice Jillian - she is only 4 and has leukemia too (I posted about her when she was daignosed in July).
8 comments:
My heart is breaking for the Flynn family. I laid awake last night just thinking of all the ways we could help her family. She loves her children and I know this will be hard for the next few weeks without them...if you hear of service opps before I do will you let me know! thanks
we missed you on thursday!
wow, life can turn in an instant. i often am amazed by the faith and understanding members of the church have and show when such difficult challenges come their way. thank goodness for the gospel...the knowledge and understanding that brings comfort and hope, and also the organization of the church that brings support and service...we are truly blessed! thanks for sharing!!
Hi Emily,
I don't know if you remember me, but we were in Hermann Park Ward together for awhile. I was Melissa Simpson, then, but have married and my last name is now Tullis. I found your blog through Tara Mareth. Anyway, my mom has Luekemia as well. They have made some great break throughs. Does your friend have chronic or acute? There is a pill my mom takes and it is literally a miracle drug. She has been in remission for almost a year now. I wish the best of luck to your friend and know that it is a devastating diagnosis. My heart goes out to her and her family. Your family is growing so much and you all look great.
Oh, no, Courtney...my prayers go out to her and their amazing family. Her children are so gorgeous. I love your perspective on this one...gratitude. It's easy to be bitter in the midst of overwhelming trials, but seeking the Light offers so much more help. Having a friend like you will help guide her through this dark time.
I am so sorry to hear this. I will keep her and her family in my prayers. I don't know her but I am confident that there are so many people that love and care for her. It is such an important thing to have in these hard trials of life. I wish her the best of luck, and God Bless her huband and children!!!!
Just an FYI - we will be have a sign-up this Sunday for those willing to help with child care. They are fine for the next week or so, however, it would be nice for them to have some people they can call on when the need arises.
Emily - love your take on this. Courtney is an amazing person!
Em,
I'm not trying to sound "light hearted" during such a difficult time in your friends life but, when did you grow up so much?!! No offense. :) I guess it has been 10 years! What a great perspective on life and what a wonderful thing to be grateful for...I love this church and I love your testimony. Thanks for sharing Em.
Okay holy heart breaker and tear jerker! It is crazy how life changes so drastically and quick! It is truly amazing how being a member of the church is not just a backup plan, it is THE plan. Wow! Ya know I am technically still post-pardum!
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