Hope

When you meet someone, you never know what road lies ahead for them. A dear friend of mine just went through a life changing experience. One moment you're healthy and going about your daily lives and the next your being told a cancerous tumor was found.

Over the last few weeks she kept us updated on the surgeries, the recovery, the tests and the trials. We watched her undergo a major surgery that has changed her life forever. Yet in the mist of all of this, I've never seen her more optimistic. She's surrounded herself with good people and energy. She's holding her husband by her side, who has just returned from Iraq. She's being strong and optimistic, she has hope.

Monday night we sat around her kitchen table and laughed. I listened to her stories of the hospital, we laughed at the boys playing on the wii, and we enjoyed some homemade cupcakes that lit up her face.

I've learned a lot from this dear friend over the last few weeks: Never take life for granted. Be hopeful when the times seem their worst. Laugh at danger because with the right spirit, we can overcome anything.