So I realize that it's been a little while...ok, a long while, since I posted a blog, but my thoughts right now are just too many to keep to myself. I'll post an update blog later about all the happ's going on with my little family, but this blog is dedicated to my friend Lana.
We've known Rusty and Lana for almost 8 years. Aaron met Rusty when we lived in Texas the first time ('02-04)...he was working for Kelley Moore Paint. Rusty and Aaron became great friends quickly and before long, Lana (Rusty's wife) and I had hit it off as well. We've kept in touch with them through all of our moving around, which I'm so thankful for. Since we've been back in Texas (moved back in '07), we've only seen them a handful of times, but it's only because of us all having busy schedules. Rusty has been going to school to finish a degree and Lana is a lawyer (one of the best!) and at great firm in Las Colinas. Last year, they had a beautiful baby boy, Fox! We went to the hospital to see them, and I told Aaron that Fox was one of the most beautiful newborn babies I've ever laid eyes on! Lana had to have an emergency c-section, but was determined to not let her traumatic birth experience hinder her getting back to normalcy. She even started running again (she was quite an avid runner pre-pregnancy...like running marathons, people!!) 3 weeks after having her belly sewn up!!! She is one of the strongest and most determined women I've ever known!
A few months ago, Aaron got a scary text from Rusty that was so limited in information, that all we could do was PRAY!!! Lana had discovered a lump in her breast and after a biopsy, was told that she had breast cancer. After further tests, doctors found that the cancer had already spread to her lymphatic system. This news was completely surprising and terrifying for them, as you can imagine! In June, Lana had surgery to remove both breasts (to hopefully, prevent the cancer from spreading to the other breast). After recovering from that painful surgery (painful not just physically, but emotionally!!!), they scheduled her date to start chemotherapy and radiation. From the outside looking in, it all seemed like it was happening so fast! I can only imagine how it must have really felt for Rusty and Lana! Right now, Lana has gone through 3 sessions of the chemo...she has 12 left (I think). Coupled with radiation, this is just kicking her butt! She's a wife, a mother, and is trying to continue working through all of this!
She's keeping an online journal (www.caringbridge.org/visit/lanareagor) that I've been reading as she goes through all of this. I so appreciate her honesty and vulnerability! Some entries are her feelings about how much it sucks going through this right now...the nausea, not being able to pick up her baby boy, feeling weak and emotional, losing her hair, etc...but every entry is also laced with hope and such strength!
As I read through every journal entry, I'm reminded just how precious life is! I feel like I'm a very thankful person, that I'm very aware of how blessed I am. But this is just one more situation that reminds me to be grateful for every second of this life! It reminds me to soak up every moment of my babies laughter. It reminds me to enjoy and make time to love on my amazing husband. It reminds me to stop rushing through parts of my day and just look at all of the good that is happening around me. I don't want miss or take for granted the little things...the precious things.
I'm fervently praying for Lana's physical healing, for strength, for the grace to keep going! I know she is beyond determined to beat this...she's already registered to take part in the Susan G. Komen 5K race in October! Seriously people, she is a force to be reckoned with! :)
So after you read this, go kiss your spouse, hug your babies, go outside and take in a deep breath, close your eyes and simply whisper, "thank you".
Rusty, Lana and Fox
