Monday Thoughts: Will You Help Me?
UPDATE: I wanted to let those of you know who check back here for an update, that our sweet Holli ended her earthly battle with painful terminal cancer on April 2, 2021. I don’t know anyone who lived life as full of faith and testimony and love for God as Holli, so it was bittersweet and beautiful that she passed away on Good Friday, just days before Easter. Words are inadequate to describe the heartbreak of the last few days as her husband and six kids have faced this new reality, but her family has been comforted and buoyed up by the knowledge that Holli is finally free of pain and suffering, and they are clinging to the knowledge that they are not alone, that God is aware of them, that He will help them, and that they will see Holli again.
Thank you for your overwhelming support on this post and through other means for Holli and her family. Her sister and I read her your comments as they came in – she was brought to tears every time as so many of you shared your own personal challenges. She couldn’t believe over 1,000 of you chose to do something hard for her. It touched her in ways impossible to describe and gave her peace that carried her through her final days as she contemplated that her life and example might have possibly inspired others and maybe even helped change lives in some way.
We love you, Holli! Life will truly never be the same without you.
——–
I’m taking a little departure from my usual recipes today. We’re going straight into Monday Thoughts (never been done before). Just go with it.
I have some things weighing on my heart and mind that I want to share with you.
But first, I want to tell you about someone.
Her name is Holli. She’s an incredibly dear friend of mine (think: soul sister type of friend).
In all my years of blogging, I’ve never dedicated a whole post to a real, live human. Chocolate chip cookies? Yes. Random Friday thoughts? Yes. Special human beings? Not so much.
But today, I need your help. Holli needs your help.
It might not be the “help” you are thinking of, but if you have a minute, stick with me for a story and then a request (spoiler alert: it has nothing to do with money).
The back story: I’ve known Holli for six years – ever since we moved from Minnesota to Idaho. She’s spunky. She’s hilarious.
She’s a truth seeker and a fighter for justice. She’s an amazing mom to six wildly wonderful kids. She constantly serves everyone around her. To know Holli is to love her.
Amid all of Holli’s greatness, she’s had an incredibly challenging life. Not all of the details are mine to share, but suffice it to say, her life has not been easy. Intense infertility, adoption, countless (and I mean countless) surgeries for health issues related to colitis, job stresses, and the list goes on.
Most people don’t know many of these things about Holli because she is in that rare camp of: Fiercely Independent Non-Complainer.
Seriously, if I didn’t love her so much, it would be almost annoying, because she just.never.complains. That girl can fight through pain and struggle like no one else. (And yet, she still listens when I complain about my pigs escaping or my cookies burning.) #goodfriend
About a year and a half ago on top of all the other challenges Holli has faced in her life, after finding a seemingly innocent lump, she was unexpectedly and devastatingly diagnosed with stage 4 internal metastatic mucosal melanoma. This diagnosis came out of nowhere, and needless to say it has rocked their family’s world.
The last 15 months have been filled with immunotherapy, radiation, flights to Mayo clinic for consultation, more treatments, pain, and indescribable stress and worry.
(Not to mention six kids and all of their daily, busy, and often difficult emotional needs.)
Through it all, Holli has remained one of the strongest warriors I’ve ever seen. She has powered through horrific treatment side effects that would easily fell the rest of us, and has quite literally taken on the full-time job of fighting cancer.
She has not once given up hope. She has retained a strong and abiding faith in a loving God who knows her and has a plan for her.
Miraculously, 2020 gifted Holli more than six months of respite, thanks to a combination of immunotherapy, holistic treatments (gosh, I could tell some stories involving slippery elm gruel and tinctures here but I won’t), and a complete shift to a sugar-free and vegan diet.
Last month, things started to fall apart for Holli again. Sudden seizures, many ER trips, and lots of pain revealed the cancer had ferociously spread throughout Holli’s body and into her brain.
She no longer has the full function of the left side of her body and she is in excruciating pain nearly constantly.
And still. She continues to show more strength in her pinky finger than I have in my entire body and soul.
Today, I wanted to give back to Holli in some way. Sure, that can easily be done through their GoFundMe page.
But I wanted to also do something else.
Holli has spent her entire lifetime being strong for other people and using her inner and God-given strength to conquer her greatest challenges, but her body is failing her right now, and she is no longer able to do some of the things that you and I probably take for granted.
Fold laundry.
Braid her daughter’s hair.
Take a walk around the block.
Load the dishwasher.
Send a text message.
I don’t believe it’s healthy or constructive to compare challenges. Hardship and stress and grief is individual. It’s sacred. Hard is hard no matter what you are going through or dealing with.
But if I’ve learned anything from Holli’s situation, it is to look for the good (even on very bad days), appreciate the mundane, and be grateful for each and every day.
And this is where I need your help.
Will you do something for me? For Holli? For you?
Will you do something hard today? Or this week? Something that perhaps you’ve been procrastinating?
It may not be something that would be hard to anyone else, but remember: that doesn’t matter. Your life is your own.
- Maybe it’s getting off the couch and finally running that pesky mile even if you haven’t run in years.
- Or picking up the phone to call a family member who you haven’t talked to in a while.
- Maybe it’s just being grateful that you have the ability and motor skills to fold laundry today.
- Or giving your spouse or child a hug even if you (or they) feel prickly and unloveable.
- Maybe it’s finally ditching the three-sizes-too-small jeans hiding in your closet and buying a pair of jeans that fit your amazing and able body.
- Or saying a prayer for the first time in a long time (or ever).
If you feel so inclined to share, will you leave a comment on this post? Even if you aren’t sure you can do it yet, write your plan in the comments and we’ll be strong together.
I am going to plop myself on Holli’s bed and read all of your comments out loud to her. And let her know that there are people across the world inspired by her story and strength.
Holli does not like attention or being a burden or inconvenience to anyone (if you know her in real life, you know how true that is!), but she does feel as though her life has purpose insomuch as it has inspired others that they, too, can do hard things and be stronger for it.
My BeStrongForHolli goal: finally get through a 30-minute virtual cycling class without falling off and quitting and acknowledge that my body is strong and able (and also give each of my kids at least three 8-second hugs today – our home has been filled with contention lately and I need to be the impetus to changing that). Love you, Holli.
Thank you for letting me take a departure from food today.
I’ll leave you with the words of one of Holli’s favorite songs:
And I, I don’t want to leave a legacy
I don’t care if they remember me
Only Jesus
And I, I’ve only got one life to live
I’ll let every second point to Him
Only Jesus
I have the best readers in the world. Thank you for being here and for all you do to make this world a better place.
A beautiful, inspiring and painful story today. Thank you, Mel for opening your life to your readers and sharing something so real and then challenging us to love and appreciate all that’s easily taken for granted. This week I will remember Holli in my daily rosary. I will also be more intentional with a heart of gratefulness for the ability to breathe, walk, think, and see. It’s all a gift. May Holli be strengthened by each act in her honor and may her heart feel a moment of unspeakable joy knowing that she is loved.
I’m going to get to work on my goal to have regular sex chats with my teens. It isn’t that hard but I keep putting it off. What an incredible friend you’ve been lucky to have. Thanks Mel.
I will start going through 40 years of memories and she’d the detritus of my past life. I will use my strong and able mind to move forward in the life God has prepared for me without my husband.
Prayers for sweet Holli! Her positive outlook and perseverance through all the troubled times is an inspiration. My kids are home this week under covid quarantine after my 17 year old tested positive so my hard this week will be to not complain, to have (lots of) patience and to see this week as it really is – as lots of time to spend with my family. God bless!
Holli,
Today, you inspired me to carry on despite all odds. I am in extreme awe and gratitude. Thank you, for being that warrior.
And thank you. Mel for sharing the song “only Jesus” for Holli. Only Jesus can see us through and be with us in the midst of the darkness. Prayers your way, Mighty Warrior. He is there for you.
PS: I went to the gym for the first time since last March.
All my energy faith your way.
Debby
Holli,
Today, you inspired me to carry on despite all odds. I am in extreme awe and gratitude. Thank you, for being that warrior.
And thank you. Mel for sharing the song “only Jesus” for Holli. Only Jesus can see us through and be with us in the midst of the darkness. Prayers your way, Mighty Warrior. He is there for you.
PS: I went to the gym for the first time since last March.
All my energy faith your way.
Debby
Thank you for inspiring me to strength, Holli! I believe we are stronger than we realize. I’m going to do that virtual exercise class to show appreciation and love for my body.
Hi Holli and Mel! I buried my sweet Momma last week and have been struggling to get back into my daily fight. Last night I wrote a to do list of things that I knew I could do successfully today. Half way down my list, I started another list I titled it, “if I have gumption”. Holli, for you today, I will conquer the 3 things on my gumption list. Sending you courage, strength and continued clarity. You are inspiring me. You are helping me focus on what is right in front of me. You are doing His work, and it is blessing me today.
I am not a big comment-er, but I was inspired by this post today – thank you!
My family means everything to me and I know I don’t show it enough (I’m definitely one of those people who gets cranky and frustrated too easily!) Today I am going to give as many compliments and as much praise as I can to my wonderful husband and kids. And also try not to show any frustration, but be patient and loving.
Good wishes and prayers to Holli.
Dearest Holli,
Oh how I wish I could know you and hug you in person. From what Mel has said, you are an incredible person and blessing to all of those around you. I’m truly sorry you’re in pain and that this is your fight right now. Know you are loved and being prayed for. Today, to honor you, I’ll spread some kindness to a family friend whose son is leaving for military training sooner than they prepared. Thanks for the inspiration. Sending virtual hugs and prayers.
Mel and Holli, thank you for the reminder to focus on the positive and not complain about the small (or even big) challenges. You’re in my prayers. “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen but what is unseen, for what is seen is temporary but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Only Jesus ! ♥️
God Bless you Holli! I sit here with both goosebumps and tears. God has given you much to bear. I am praying for healing so that you can watch your family grow. Also, for grace – you obviously have much of that already.
Thank you Mel for sharing her story and Holli for allowing the story to be shared.
I will be grateful for each and every day. I will be more patient. I will attack the piles that I have procrastinated about forever.
Thank you for sharing what perspective is all about.
Today I took 30 mins to be mindful and do yoga, something I enjoy but put off for all the typical mom reasons. As I was mindful today of how my body can stretch and move I was so grateful for my body that is a gift from God! Sometimes He uses our bodies as a teaching ground for very powerful lessons in becoming more like him and teaching others how to use them for good in serving others. Mel and Holli, thank you for teaching me how to be humble, grateful, and Christlike today! Prayers are being said for Holli and her sweet family today!
I have multiple items around my house that say, “Beautiful girl, you can do hard things,” and that’s what came to mind when I read this post. I think the hard thing I’m going to do is help my kids with their schoolwork today. I work full-time, they’re in school full-time, it’s a pandemic, it’s chaotic, but we can get it done. I hate that you’re going through this, but I am thinking and praying with and for you, holding you in my heart.
Your friend sounds like an amazing person. I will be praying for your friend Holly, and you also Mel. I have always marvelled at how seemingly strong, energetic, and productive YOU are but if you say Holly is more, then I am in awe. So I will commit to keep on trying with my CPAP machine to treat my recent diagnosis of sleep apnea. Also, and this one is actually harder, I used to draw another lifetime ago and I want to start up a Daily Wonder painting/drawing book. I commit to starting that… today.
Sending lots of prayers, love, and a multitude of hugs to Holli and you today. You are both and inspiration to us all showing us what great faith and true friendship and compassion are.
Holli – your story is both heartbreaking and inspiring. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. My goal today, will be to try to give more grace and understanding to my family. It is so easy to become angry and resentful. I know most of these feelings are caused by fear. I need to acknowledge the fear, for what it is, and deal with it honestly, versus letting the anger compound the problem. Thank you Mel, so much for sharing Holli’s story and and Holli you are a rockstar… keep fighting!!!
Holli..we may not know you to touch..but through Gods power..know we r with you….and your family….Michelle thank you….I’m in the process of getting my 2nd covid injection…so my goal is to hug my grandchildren …when my mom left this world she sang What a friend I have in Jesus!!!! So No question he is alive… prayers ….glad your faith is so strong….continue prayers and we both know God makes miracles…I m 75 yers old….but please know this is from my heart . Love to u and your beautiful family…..also to Michelle and family…
Oh my goodness, Holli. What an inspiration you are and I don’t even know you. You inspire me to be grateful for the body that our Heavenly Father has given me, and not to beat myself up so much for not being as slender as I “should” be. I am going to go home and get rid of clothes that I kept hoping to get back in to. There are so many more important things than being slender.
I feel I am a grateful person, but obviously, I have room for improvement.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your precious family.
And by the way, I LOVE Casting Crowns. You have great taste in music. ❤️
Mel. These non-food posts are my favorite posts. I’ve been a bundle of stress between school activities (the kids and mine), family, finances and everything in between. I was just sitting here convincing myself out of a much needed workout and feeling agitated with my preschooler’s constant demands. I know better! How quickly we can forget just how beautiful and fragile life is. Holli, I’m sending you so much love. It will be ok. They will all be ok.
I am in tears thinking of this beautiful woman I have never met. I also know God has a plan for each of us. I have raised my children and I’m now grateful for my grandchildren. When my daughters were struggling in their growing up years, I prayed and prayed for them. I wanted everything to be rosy and wonderful for them with no bad choices or struggles. Heavenly Father reminded me that those children were his, not mine, and He had things for them to learn that had nothing to do with me. Yes, it was my role as a mother to teach, support and love these children, but He was the one who knew their life plan, not me. It is, unfortunately, His plan for this family but, with faith and friends like you, all will be well if the Lord is allowed to continue to lead this blessed daughter of God.
Oh my heart.
Dear Holli- I believe in miracles. 100%. I also believe in angels that surround us and carry us. I know our Heavenly Father sends comfort and that comfort is a miracle in and of itself.
Today I am going to let myself cry- for you, for me, and for this life that keeps handing us stuff faster than we can understand. Then, I am going to get on my treadmill, turn on my music (LOUD) and run. I will run my heart out for you. My 7th child turns one this week and I have been putting off this run for much longer than that. After my run I will fall on my knees (from exhaustion) and pray. I will pray for you. You are seen. You are loved. You are His and He is with you.
Love, Jenny
This week I am going to have the courage to actually make my menu, do the shopping and invite 5 ladies to my healthy prep food class. I’ve been afraid to step out and do this because I don’t have the talent that Mel has. Thank you for your courage, praying for you!!!
Holli you just simply amaze me! You are such an example to me of strength, faith, humor, and love. The few times we have chatted and laughed have not been enough. I seriously love you! Today I’m going to fold my Monday laundry with gratitude in my heart and I am going to do my best to be as kind as possible to my family today. I pray for you often and I’m grateful for you.
Thank you for sharing Holli’s story and being real and open. Her song is one of my favorites also and as a fellow believer in a mighty, unfailing loving God, I will pray for her and her family
during the whole time I am outside shoveling snow in the Nor’Easter we’re getting. There are so many little things to pray for and God cares about them all- He holds all your tears in a bottle and so much more!
My prayers are with your dear friend, her family, you and yours and all those that know and love her. She sounds incredible and a true inspiration. I have no doubt she has touched more lives than she probably knows. Kind and courageous hearts like hers are a rare and beautiful thing. I don’t know yet what hard thing I will do, but I will think and pray on it and I commit to doing many “hard” things in honor of her. May God put his healing hand upon her and ease her pain. #beStrongForHolli
Oh beautiful Holli, your trials have not diminished you– I can see in your beautiful smile your trials have refined you. Look at all the hearts you have touched.
I am going to write to my little brother again today. I haven’t seen him in 13 years (when he was 20 and I 24) and I feel like he will never respond. But I can’t give up, can I? It’s hard putting my heart out there, watching for a reply–trying to find the right words that might do the trick this time.
Tears in my eyes as I read this. Thank you for sharing. You both are so blessed and lucky to have such a wonderful friendship. I have a hard calling in church right now that has really stretched me out of my comfort zone. I will go do that “hard visit” this week, that I have been trying to do for months, in honor of Holli. Prayers and love to you and your family!
Your post is a message from God and I thank you and Holli. Through tears gushing I state this:
I just finished treatment for breast cancer: double mastectomy, 4 red devil chemo, 12 taxol and 32 rounds of radiation…since then I’ve been depressed, angry and feeling fear for which there are no words to describe…your story about Holli screams to pick my self up off the ground and get moving with life and all the ups and downs of it. To keep faith and God first no matter what.
Because of your story Mel, and the love for your friend, I will help you…which is actually helping me:
First, I will pray for Holli and her family.
I will be a better friend to my friends.
I was a runner before cancer. Now I don’t even go for walks. Today I will go for a long walk, and vow to walk as much as I can until I’m running again.
I will be kinder to myself; and others and stop being angry and feeling sorry for myself.
I will face my fears with courage and remind myself of Holli anytime I feel like giving up.
I will share Holli’s story with others.
You are God’s best Holli and Mel. My deepest gratitude
Thank you for Holli’s inspiring story. We will be praying for her. I will be giving up sugar. I have tried it before and know how much better I feel. It’s time!
First, so much love for Holli & her beautiful family.
My Be Strong for Holli goal: a week without yelling or losing patience with my five kids, who are mostly at home during COVID.
Thank you for inspiring me, dear Holli! You are truly making the world a better place.
My BeStrongForHolli goal: I’m going to bake some muffins to take to neighbors that were so kind to me and my family as I went through a tragedy of my own. I had ARDS and Sepsis and was life-flighted, and sedated for 11 days. I was in the hospital for awhile. Once I got home I realized how many people cared about us. We had meals, and cookies. Gift cards came in get well soon cards. I was amazed. I am usually a person that just stays home. I don’t really go out of my way to be “neighborly”. This is going to be challenging for me, but I’m going to do it for Holli. Holli, you sound like the person who likes to be the caregiver, and you are probably feeling frustrated and sad that you can’t do that right now. I feel you. I’m going to step out of my comfort zone and visit and thank my neighbors this week. I’ll be thinking of you as I go to each neighbor. I’ll pray for you and your family. You are a warrior and all warriors have to fight amidst pain, sorrow, and fear. It opens us up, it builds us up, and it makes us look up. Warriors do not give up. They do not give in. You have a wonderful support team and with their love and care you can face this challenge. You can do hard things! Love – Lisa
Holli, praying for you and your family. This post was incredibly touching. I promise to be more grateful for everything that I have and have more patience with my family. It’s a gift that I have them. I wish you strength and hope!
Hi Mel and Holli,
I was diagnosed with cancer 3 years ago on February 7th, at age 32. I went through fairly radical surgery and chemo while also sticking through a veterinary residency that I had only started 6 months earlier. I have a husband, no kids, but I know what it is to be a “young” cancer patient, and to have the very real shadow of more cancer in my future hanging over me. Holli, the song Mel posted is one of my heart songs as well–“And I, I don’t want to leave a legacy/I don’t care if they remember me/Only Jesus.” Every stage on this journey has come with a song, with that one throbbing underneath the the surface at all times. Other songs: “Joy” by For King and Country, “Burn the Ships” by For King and Country, and now–Matt Maher’s “Alive and Breathing”:
Joy still comes in the morning
Hope still walks with the hurting
If you’re still alive and breathing
Praise the Lord
Don’t stop dancing and dreaming
There’s still Good News worth repeating
So lift your head and keep singing
Praise the Lord
So what will I do for Holli and for all the other fellow cancer journey-ers I have encountered in my life? (I’ve discovered we have a way of finding each other) I will press into every day that God has given me, no matter how many or how few they may be, to walk forward unafraid, to both find and share the joy in every moment. I’m going to remember and share what has been a real and present promise to both my husband and myself since this started: God is big and good and faithful.
Blessings to you both and your families.
Prayers for Holli. Grateful she has you as a good friend. Loved your post and love people like you and Holli who unknowing give encouragement to others sight unseen. I will definitely be pondering what you written and it will absolutely pop into my mind when I need the extra push to accomplish the hard things whether big or small.
Holli (and Mel) thank you for your courage and for sharing your struggle. I am praying for you and your family. Today I wanted to give up on some of my own challenges. Instead for you I dealt with three (government ugh!) phone calls and made a healthy breakfast for my family. And for you Holli I’ll begin my goal of writing my dad’s history, which I’ve felt prompted to do but told myself was too overwhelming. Thank you for inspiring me and letting me offer my faith and prayers for you.
Well, for some reason, reading this sure hit me in the feels today. I have seen many who struggle through life with a smile on their face and the determination to put a smile on others along the way.
Holli, you sound like an amazing and elect woman. My prayers will be said and will include you and your family as you all wind your way through this worldly trial.
I am ‘down’ right now, yup literally and unfortunately, but this too shall pass. DARN SNOW … winter and I are not friends no matter how hard we work on our relationship. Regardless of this setback for me and my small part in this world, my plan for our famjam is to get to work on our basement. We started reno’s over a year ago and haven’t finished … UGH … we are the worst procrastinators EVER. Our goal will be to finish this basement so we can move on to help others with the skills we currently have and those we continue to learn through this huge endeavour. Once the basement is complete (and clean ) and we can all gather again … this calendar year has been such a struggle for so many … we will invite people over to enjoy one another’s company, food, games and the love of the Saviour.
This post was just what I needed today! My hard thing is to hug my husband. Some very hurtful things were said a couple days ago and I’ve been having a hard time even looking at him. He’s been trying to make up for the things he said/did in his own way but I’ve still been keeping him at arms reach unsure of how to forgive and forget. I really prayed asking for help from our Heavenly Father and this was my answer. Holli from the little Mel shared with us you are an amazing example! Thanks so much for that example I needed it!
Prayers for Holli and all those who love her and do those things for her that she can no longer do for herself.
A story of hope. A friend of mine finally got approved (last week) for a green card from Canada to US after THREE YEARS! L & R got married November 2017 and have not gotten to live together since. They thought since he is an American citizen, the process would proceed in a timely fashion. God cares about every situation and he will give you strength for yours.
My BeStrongForHolli goal: I will sort through the 30 gallon storage tote full of pictures (pre-digital) and distribute them to the appropriate family members.
My BeStrongForHolli goal #2: I have a habit of saying “I can’t do this or that”. I will remember to make it into an “I can” statement!
Hi Holli. Please know that I am praying for you and your family today. I accept the challenge to do something hard today. And I know what that will be, but I don’t really want to share it here because I am just a little sensitive about it. But, I will do it – and it will be hard, but I will be thinking of you and that will give me courage to get through it. Thank you for inspiring me and sending you so much love, prayers, and encouragement. Brenda
I’m going to say sorry to my husband for getting mad last night. And today I’m going to take a second more to think before I say something out loud to others or think something about myself that may not be constructive. See the good- sounds like that’s something Hollie does from your description of her. Hang in there Sisterfriend! God be with you and your sweet family
Tears, Mel, and prayers for Holli, and her precious beautiful family. Thank you for the reminder to live intentionally. Today, as I think of you guys and pray, I will hug my children a little tighter and longer, listen closer to them and my husband, smile more generously, and return my eyes to Jesus, trusting His promise to hold me fast.
I find your post aa a great reminder to something I promised myself almost two years ago, February 12. My mother was very ill and bed ridden for the most part of 30 years. What my mother lacked in the physical sense she gave 100% in love, spirit, and listening to others. It came so easily to her. After her passing, it brought a lot of things into perspective—mainly what you are asking to do in honor of your dear friend. I have taken better care of my body so that I can do things with my children. I give them more hugs when I’m frustrated. I try to have more compassion for others and LISTEN. I am going to start my own lighting design business. I will send prayers to heaven for your friend and her family. God bless.
Wow. What an inspired idea. So many families, friends and neighbors will be blessed by this post, which will then bless your amazing friend!
Lately I’ve been trying to pray each day to know what is the most important thing I need to do each day. It’s been hard for me to turn my day over to God like that, but it sure beats feeling selfish and lame at the end of the day. I’m still trying to figure out what my focus is for today, but I’ll do it in Holli’s honor. God bless you both.
Thank you for sharing Holli’s story. I’m praying for your sweet friend and her family and friends. ♥️ In her honor today I’ll be more loving and intentional with the people God puts in my path. Please tell her what an encouragement she is to me!
Oh Holli! What a path to walk. Know you and your family are in my thought and my prayers. In her honor today I’m putting down the sweets. I’ve needed to curb my sugar addiction for months. Chocolate is my vice. I’m the mama hiding in the pantry eating chocolate chips. Today I’ll be eating a banana instead. Thank you for being the motivation I needed to see that hard things can be done. Thanks for being the good in this world.
Thank you Mel for this beautiful post…it brought tears to my eyes. Holli, you are an amazing person and an inspiration. I’m getting on my knees right now to pray for comfort and strength for you and your precious family. I just want you to know that you are an answer to my prayers with your incredible example of courage, your amazing selfless life, your joy that shines bright in your smile, and most of all your love for Jesus. You’ve inspired me to be grateful, recognize my many blessings, and enjoy the little things. I’m going to call my family today and tell them I love them. I am going to write some cards to people who are struggling and tell them I’m thinking of them and that I love them. May God bless you and your beautiful family.
This is such a tender post. And so beautifully expressed. I love to picture prayers as little points of light floating up toward heaven. As I read through some of the other comments, I pictured those points of light floating up to heaven on behalf of Holli.
Yesterday, I signed up for a mentoring program—which may not seem like a big deal, but it scares me!! I was going to put it off until next year, but realized that the sooner I start, the sooner I move toward the progress I hope to make in my life.
Today, I will smile at my kids as we do our homeschool. And I will put my phone down for an hour and just BE in the moment. I will add my point of light to those moving heavenward and rejoice in Jesus along with Holli. He is truly everything.
What a wonderful idea, Mel!
In honor of Holli, I choose to be a proponant for positivity .. i will seek to bring light in a darkening world, when I’m on social media or waiting in line at a register. to uplift, find joy, be kinder and more tolerant in every situation I find myself in. Holli has shown me the example of that blessed attitude.
Knowing and loving Holli goes hand in hand, doesn’t it, She is so loving, funny, and positive. She exudes a love for the Savior and her eyes shine with hope and faith no matter the challenge. Holli has changed my perspective and inspires me to be better. I’m grateful to have the both of you in my life!
Beautiful post. Beautiful friendship. Beautiful souls (both of you)!
Today I’m going to learn about ADHD–I started to this morning but got discouraged that I am not a “good” mom for this challenge. I’ll go back to it because of this challenge, but with self compassion for where I am and a hope to learn and improve, because isn’t it truly a gift to have life and be able to learn and improve?!? Thank you for reminding that and adding some perspective to my day!
Love, prayers, and gratitude for you and Holli.