God's Will

Sometimes it is so difficult to understand God' will. I truly believe that God has a master plan for all of us and that everything happens for a reason, but sometimes that plan or reason are just mistifying - why good people have to fight such tremendous battles just to stay alive and how they sometimes lose those battles being called Home by God. There is comfort in knowing that the suffering has ended and those loved ones are comfortable and happy with God. But knowing that does not necessarily ease the pain of those who loved and lost them. As evident by two very different, yet similar instances that occurred this weekend.

Debbie Russo Williams was a girl Paul and I both knew in high school. She ran cross country and track with us and was a very vibrant and happy girl. Two years ago, while pregnant with her third child, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent immediate chemotherapy treatments and miraculously, her baby was born only 6 weeks premature and perfectly healthy. Since then, she has been waging a tough battle against the disease, including several rounds of chemotherapy, alternative medicines, and participated in several medical trials. Unfortunately, that battled ended on Saturday when God called her Home. She left behind 3 little boys (ages 6, 4 and 2), a husband, and countless family members and friends whose lives were affected by her. Her story has reached so many people - people who didn't even know her were continuously praying for her and her family. It is amazing how people can unite in prayer for an important cause.

Joshua Roy Kurby was a strong and happy little baby who we loved and cherished. He was born 4 days before Abbey, but had medical struggles from the start of his life until the very short end when he was only 8 months old. He left behind his courageous and strong Mommy and Daddy and his twin brother Joey. It was a year ago today that he went to be with God. It is amazing to me that a whole year passed already because I can still picture him so clearly and the pain of his passing is still very fresh in our hearts. He is definitely looking out for his family from above though - he sent them a beautiful baby girl who was born in December. I cannot imagine the continual pain they must go through on a daily basis and we continue to pray for his family - our dear friends.

The two stories are vastly different, yet both include someone being taken too young and in a seemingly unfair way. I trust that God has a plan for everything and that both Debbie and Josh are looking down on all of us and watching out for their families. All I can do is pray for their families during these most difficult times and let them know that we, as friends, will always be there for them. God bless them and bring them comfort.