On October, 5th, 2016- I lost my Aunt Barbara to breast cancer. It was one of the most painful and darkest moments of my life. Before she passed away, she was in and out of the hospital for 2 years, underwent chemotherapy, lost her hair, felt sicker than a dog, but she always smiled. She put on a wig and just prodded on. When the cancer spread to her arm she still kept positive. When it entered her lympatic system she kept busy. Week after week, she would attend congregation meetings as if nothing was wrong. Very few knew how sick she really was until the last time they visited her in the hospital. You may be able to hold your tongue, but your eyes never lie. When I visited my Aunt in the hospital on October 3rd, 2016 I knew it was the last time I’d get to see her. Although she smiled, death was in her eyes and she succumed to it just 2 days later.
Sickness, old age, and death are cruel and unkind. I’ve lost six family members in the past six years. Last month, September 2017, I lost my grandfather. Most days I feel numb on the inside, and then at other times I feel like screaming. It has been very hard to see my family dwindle away before my very eyes. I am sure that I’m not the only one. Running helps, blogging helps, teaching my carefree 2nd graders helps. However, what really keeps me going is sharing the promise from the Bible at Revlation 21:4.
“3 With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them. And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”
While I wait on this promise I strive to keep busy, living my life in a way that will make Aunt Barbara proud when I see her again. Last year, I participated in the Dallas Heart Walk in memory of my Grandma & Cousin Solomon. This year, in memory of Aunt Barbara, I’ve teamed up with North East Mall to support Susan G. Komen’s fight against breast cancer. During October, you can “shop for a cause.” during breast cancer awareness month. Donate $5 to Susan G. Komen Foundation and recieve a special discount card offering 15% to 25% off an item at all participating retailers. I know my efforts will not end death. Only Jehovah can do that. However, just maybe my $5 and your $5 will help another “Aunt Barbara” win the battle against breast cancer. 
