I Love This Girl...

even if she does intensify an already stressful week and stretches my two hour biology class to feeling like four. For those of ya'll who don't know her, this is my fourteen year old sister, Katie (also known as Hoi-man, kid-sister, Cootie.....).

She and I have grown close together so much over the years. We share (most times willingly) a lot. Late at night, we whisper little secrets and giggle over indescribable silliness that only sisters find funny. We rejoice at each others victories and sympathize with losses. And our spats are usually only reserved to the (lack of) cleanliness in our room. ;)

We are, in short, sisters, best of friends.

Today, however, we learned of a large cyst on her left femur that is causing her great pain and could, if she puts pressure on it, fracture her femur. This whole experience has been one long and tortuous 36-hour roller coaster for more than one reason.

Begin with a very busy and exhausting week of rehearsals for a local opera that I am performing in. Then doctors call having spotted a growth of some sort on a major bone. That's just a little disconcerting. Then a dear sister goes back in for more x-rays as I head to the college -- not where I wanted to be at that moment. When I receive a call from my sister reassuring me that the growth is only a cyst (as opposed to other . . . unpleasantries), I sigh with relief and thankfulness.

Fast forward to lunchtime, when I receive another call from Katie. Enter phrases like "large cyst," "thin femur," "possible fracture," "MRI," "Shans Hospital," "surgery," etc. Elder sisterness kicks in. (By the way, that's the nice way of saying that Jane Ellen has an internal freak out because one of her beloved is endangered.)

But, God is good and faithful and merciful and perfect and everything I could possibly need right now. While at the school, He provided people I could to "gush" to, quiet time to draw from His well of strength, homework to distract me, and peace that surpasses understanding.

After rereading this, I think the wording makes everything seem more scary than it really is right now. Katie is chilling on the couch and churning out folded laundry at a record rate for our family. She has been given a new nickname due to the occasional hopping on one foot she must do: The Dufflepud. I am growing in joyfulness, thanksgiving, trust, and reliance upon the Father.

Can I really ask for more?

Yes, I can. Please pray for our family as we ford this, admittedly, foggy river. I'll be back soon with more updates. Love to you all!