I've been following the extraordinary story of a beautiful young woman and her fight with cancer for the past year. The family is a close personal friend of my son's former kindergarten teacher. We have spoken of her several times and I have actually met this couple's beautiful daughters one evening at Perry's school. Although I have never met this woman, Jennifer, I feel as if she is a close friend from reading their blog.

If you have some time in the next few days, pull up some of her archives of this fight, starting with the very first post. Her husband started this blog from day one and it is an absolute testament to her strength, fight and love that she has for her family. And it is also an incredible love story for their young girls to read as they grow older for they will always have this journal to remember their mother.

As of this past week, Jennifer is taking her last breaths - and her family is counting them - not wanting her to pass over to heaven, but hopeful that she does not suffer. And I pray that for them too right now.

Take the time to squeeze your spouse a little tighter and hug your children a little closer today. I know that with every thought I have of Jennifer today and this weekend, those thoughts will turn to being a better mother, daughter, and friend... for that is what she has embodied the most during her fight.

Update: Jennifer passed away around 2:40am Sunday, February 4, 2007.

Labels: prayer