Monday, February 15, 2010

Anything for a friend!

This has been one of the most incredible Valentine’s Days in history (OK, my history)! I can honestly say that I have never felt so much love in all of my life. The outpouring of cards, cookies, well wishes and pie has been incredible, thank you all for your generosity! These things coupled by the sweetness, compassion, and kindness of Justin and my little boys almost make this all worth it :)!

Last Friday night I stumbled backwards for a moment as I had gotten so involved in the things that I usually do, I literally forgot about our current predicament. The forgetfulness ended with the rushing back of our reality and I hit my knees, with a minuscule understanding of Christ’s question in Luke 22:42. Though the prayer was completely inaudible a quiet and sweet understanding flooded my mind and soul, as I realized that “this cup” was not passing, and after crying myself to sleep in Justin’s arms I awoke with a new determination to figure out my Father’s will concerning me and this situation.

While I do not know the complexity of this trial, nor the positive that will spring from it, I know that part of my prayer has already been answered, and as often happens, it was answered by someone else listening. It turns out that this someone else was a couple of someone’s, my sister and life-long pal, Brenda and my best friend Denise Parker.

Brenda, as most of you already know is a woman of action and has not taken this cancer thing lying down. She was immediately bringing treats, arranging flowers, and talking about a fundraiser. Unbeknownst to myself, she had enlisted the help of Denise and just two weeks into this trial, I believe that I have an understanding of part of the “why?”---In addition to the fundraiser, an idea “popped” into Denise’s mind for a website called, anythingforafriend.com, crazily the domain name was not taken and I believe Denise was just plain listening and is being used as an instrument in the Lord’s hands (…that we have been made instruments in the hands of God to bring about this great work. Behold, thousands of them do rejoice…Alma 26:3-4) I believe this can and will be the source of relief for people in this situation for years to come.

Imagine if you will, someone, anyone in this situation being able to access anythingforafriend.com/their name or their loved ones name and the web of countless people that hold each of our lives firmly in place, have the opportunity to step forward and do whatever they can and when enough “whatever you cans” are brought together, miracles can indeed happen (Alma 37:6-7).

I feel proud of Brenda and Denise for listening! I feel overwhelmed with the generosity, thoughts, and love behind this concept. May we all take a page out of their book and let our lights so shine before man, that they may see our good works, and glorify our Father which is in heaven (Matt. 5:14-16).

5 comments:

  1. Just as I wipe the tears from reading the previous post and making a comment, I come to see you have been up to more writings. Again, your testimony is only strengthening mine and many others. Keep your chin up!

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  2. I've been sitting at the comment form for several minutes trying to figure out how to say what I want to without sounding like a complete moron. I've decided I'll likely sound that way no matter what so...Becky I am overwhelmed. By sadness for you and your family and by awe at your amazing attitude. I have to think that your optimism and faith will be a strength to all around you. It certainly is to me.

    I LOVE the idea of the fund raiser site. I work for an internet marketing firm in Ogden and know some about page rank and search engine optimization. If ever you need help in that area, I can at least get you in contact with some great resources. If there is annything I can do for the April fundraiser, PLEASE let me know!

    XO

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  3. When i think of my Aunt Becky childhood memories come to mind, i can remeber going to beckys house and watching movies and eating popcorn. it never failed that right after the movie but before bed becky always helped us brush our teeth if anyone knows becky they know that brushing teeth is one of her favorite things to do. I still do not understand why this had to happen to her she is a great person i have prayed but i have not found any answers. i really just want becky and her family to know that I LOVE THEM VERY MUCH and i will continue to pary for them.

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  4. As I was reading 'Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith' I came upon this quote! “Stand fast, ye Saints of God, hold on a little while longer, and the storm of life will be past, and you will be rewarded by that God whose servants you are, and who will duly appreciate all your toils and afflictions for Christ’s sake and the Gospel’s. Your names will be handed down to posterity as Saints of God.” It reminded me of Becky and how brave she truely is. For I do know that she will make it through this trial and be rewarded by our Heavenly Father that loves her so much! I know she will stand fast, stand strong and stand as a witness of God at all times and in ALL things and in all places! She is my HERO! And she makes me a stronger and better person just by her example! She proves that attitude is everything which she has clearly shown! I LOVE YOU BECKY! You have strengthened my testimony so much by that simple virtue whih you posess! And for that I thank you!

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  5. Becky, I've been reading about a week's worth of your blog posts for a while and am overwhelmed by your amazing attitude. Tears ran down my cheeks while I read that they were running down yours. You ARE the strongest person I know and I cannot believe your strength as I read about your perspectives and the way you look at the trials that face us. I LOVE YOU SOOO MUCH and am so glad I got to be there for your ward fast. You are my beacon of light and I wouldn't have the testimony I do without your push and amazing conviction to the gospel. I'm so grateful I was able to be your laurel and spend every week with you. It's hard being so far away down in Provo but I hope I can be a fraction of your strength while you are going through this huge trial. I'm so proud of you and love you without end. You're one of the best friends I've ever had and I know we will always have that :). I love you Becky, keep it up, I know you can make it through this. -Hilary Stout

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