Giving thanks during a difficult week.

This week was such a heart-breaking week in so many ways. Our world has lost such an inspiring spirit and she will be missed in so many ways. Natalie could be quiet at times but that smile would speak volumes. Throughout the past 9 months she was such a witness to her faith. She never wavered in knowing that God was going to take care of her. Was she ever scared, confused, anxious, maybe even angry? Of course she was, we all were on some level. Instead of giving into those destructive and negative emotions, Natalie time and time again leaned on her Saviour to get her through the darkness and into the light. Her God gave her the ultimate healing, He freed her from the pain. Yes we humans miss her down here, we miss her terribly. There will be many more tears shed during the next weeks and months. But what we have lost down here, heaven has gained. Really, we didn't lose her completely...she lives on in our memories, our hearts. On bad days we just need to look up towards the heavens and see her sitting with Jesus, smiling that smile of hers and cheering us on.

The last few days have been very rough for Gavin and I. Throughout the "normalcy" of life we don't have to face the possible realities of the future. We have always tried to focus on the positive and live with hope in our hearts every single day. I don't think I can even adequately explain the variety of emotions that we experienced this past week. All I can say is that we are truly blessed to have friends who love us and support us and know how we are feeling before we are even feeling it. We are blessed to have had Natalie in our lives to inspire us. The courage and dignity and faith she showed during her cancer battle is a wonderful legacy for all of those going through tough times, whether it is a health issue like cancer or anything else.

Thank you for loving us.
Maria

Oh I almost forgot...Gavin's counts are a little low so if you are sick, please keep your distance. At the moment, no doctor's appointments this week. How weird is that? Might possible add one w/ our fav. Dr. Sharma!