Anniversaries are usually a reminder of good things, and life changing events. The older I get the more bittersweet anniversaries I seem to accumulate. This fall marked one year since my sister-in-law Aimee was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer.  The memory of the shock of this news is still raw. I remember sweet Sophia looking large eyed after the phone call, "Does mommy have cancer?"  I was not ready.

 I took photos of them one week later and it still felt like a distant dream that we would wake from. The fear and uncertainty were unwanted new companions. A year later there is still some fear and uncertainty but with that, reflection over the last year that have been filled with people who have not been afraid to come close to the heartache and enter into the deep waters with them. Isn't that like our Jesus, who meets us in the miry pit?  He never distances himself from the hardest, messiest, sickest and poorest among us.  God has been faithful in His comfort, hope and leading. He has not left them.  There is a clarity and softening that happens to us when trials make us poor in spirit. The cracks and brokenness leave us maybe just a little more pliable and vulnerable to letting our maker do what He wants in us.  It is a beautiful thing to behold the outpouring of meals, funds, encouragement and genuine love for them. After many closed doors they will leave their kids with family and head to Germany to receive treatment after being denied coverage for treatment here. Will you pray with me for Aimee's complete healing? Will you pray with me for miracles beyond what we can imagine? That God will go before, with and behind them in all things during their time in Germany. To read more of Aimee's heart you can find her story here: http://pressedwine.prayersforaimee.com/

If you feel led to join the campaign to help financially with the burden of her care and treatment you can do so here: https://www.crowdrise.com/rileys-2016?utm_donation=b6b28d582dc2f40a6054d65674281&utm_platform=fb&utm_device=desktop&utm_source=donate-modal-cr