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.
What a beautiful post and amazing woman. I will tackle my work with joy and determination – trying not to be intimidated by the challenges of my current to-do list. Praying for Holli and her family.
Bless your sweet friend Holli! I can’t even comprehend how one handles such significant trials with a smile on her face! Today in honor of Holli, I will be grateful for the boring and mundane, for the job I have, for the chores I do around the house- I will be grateful for this beautiful life we’ve been given. And I will call my mother.
I will make a time this week to get out of bed early, go out in the cold, dark morning and run the run I have been putting off for months for every excuse.
Today I will be going outside to the swings with our precious 4 1/2 year old grandson – it’s cold outside but he loves a winter swing – seems like something that Holli would do whenever she could for her little ones – she is such an inspiration just like her sister Dawna who is my friend and former co-worker here in Raymond! I will take some deep breaths I’d crisp air and be grateful that my 75 year old body is still cooperating as I age and always be grateful for the little things like a winter swing with my grandson Shepherd who can now pump all by himself! My love to Holli & family and Dawna and Jaxon ( Shepherd’s buddy) ❤️❤️
I will give hugs to my girls every day and do 15 minutes on my rowing machine. For Hollie.
I wish I was there I would braid your girls hair I do laundry I love ironing so today when I do mine its for you, I walk twice around the block one for you and one for me, I know if your are friend of Mels then that mean your are a chosen Daughter of God who will be with you now and always Mel was my neighbor for a few years and i still miss her so remember you are loved more than words can say, Janice Martin of Nibley Ut
I just scheduled the colonoscopy that I was referred for because of a long history of colon cancer in my family. I’ve been putting it off because it made me feel uncomfortable and I didn’t want to deal with all of the scheduling complications. Thank you for the little push to take care of myself and not to take my health and body for granted. Sending prayers and love.
In honor of Holli I’m going to go through a file drawer of papers, cards, and memories from my childhood. I need to consolidate it and decide what is worth saving. I’ve put it off for a long time because included in that drawer are memories of my Mom who passed away from liver cancer when I was 17. I’m sure it will bring up some emotions I’d rather suppress, but I can do it!! Thanks for the needed motivation. ♥️
Dear Holli, I am pleading the precious blood of Jesus over you and I have asked Jesus to heal you from the top of your head to the tip of your toes. I am reaching out out in faith believing, touching the hem of Jesus’ garment for your healing and I pray you will do the same and claim your healing in the Mighty Name of Jesus. Jesus wants you well Holli and when He went to the cross for you Holli, He nailed all sicknesses and diseases to the cross for you Holli. I am expecting a mighty healing miracle from the Lord Jesus for you Holli. God’s bless you Holli. Sending love to you, Maureen
Please read Luke 8:43-48
New King James Version
43 Now a woman, having a flow of blood for twelve years, who had spent all her livelihood on physicians and could not be healed by any, 44 came from behind and touched the border of His garment. And immediately her flow of blood stopped.
45 And Jesus said, “Who touched Me?”
When all denied it, Peter [a]and those with him said, “Master, the multitudes throng and press You, [b]and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’ ”
46 But Jesus said, “Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me.” 47 Now when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling; and falling down before Him, she declared to Him in the presence of all the people the reason she had touched Him and how she was healed immediately.
48 And He said to her, “Daughter, [c]be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”
Sending love, and positive thoughts to you Holli! Stay strong momma!
Hi, Holli, I’m Gwen and I’m 64 1/2 years young and have been doing CrossFit for almost 3 years now. Why do I do it? Well, it’s not easy but that’s probably why I like it. I’m doing the same exercises as everyone else though it’s scaled for what I can do. I’m competing with myself and doing things I never thought I’d be able to do! I do wall walks and can stay upside down for at least a minute. I deadlift 160 pounds the other week and I ran a mile in 12 1/2 minutes – well, it’s running for me and, for others, it’s probably a jog or fast walk.
Holli, I admire your fierceness, toughness and resilience – if you were at CrossFit, they’d call you a “beast” which is the highest compliment you could receive. I’ll pray for you and hope you know that you have a new friend in me! Take care!
Oh Mel, my heart is just breaking for all of you. Our hope, our strength, and our love is in Jesus. To your dear friend Holli, all I can offer are prayers; prayers for strength, wisdom, encouragement, peace, and to know that God’s plan is so much greater, so much grander than we could ever ask or imagine.
A few things to share with you and Holli:
“For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, ‘Fear not, I am the one who helps you.'” Isaiah 41:13 ESV
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began.” 2 Timothy 1:7-9 ESV
“Hoping means I acknowledge reality in the very same breath that I acknowledge God’s sovereignty. And, I’ve learned one more important fact: my hope isn’t tied to my expectations finally being met in my way in my timing. No. My hope isn’t tied to whether or not a circumstance or another person changes. My hope is tied to the unchanging promise of God. I hope for the good I know God will ultimately bring from this, whether the good turns out to match my desires or not.” -from “It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way” by Lysa TerKeurst
Mel, my family has been so blessed for many years by all of your wonderful recipes and how you have shared your life with all of us (my kids were just cracking up again last night at the photo of Henry the Polish Hen when I looked up a recipe to print). You have been so inspirational. Almost every day we have at least one thing on our table that is from your blog (if not the whole meal!). Today I had your “Perfect Pot Roast and Gravy” going into the crockpot first thing, and now the potatoes for the most amazing “Creamy Baked Mashed Potatoes with Buttery Parmesan Crumbs” are in the IP. And I would pack it all up in a heartbeat to bring it to share, laugh, cry, and fellowship with you and Holli if it wouldn’t get so cold in the car from Ohio. I can only image how grateful and blessed Holli is by you and your family and your special friendship. I will be praying for all of you.
My thoughts and prayers are with you Holli and with your family. In the end I think it’s all about God and family and it sounds like you a strong faith and a wonderful family. I wish you peace.
My hard thing to do this week will be to exercise and stop eating sweets.
Holli sounds like an amazing women! Today I’m going to be more grateful for my husband and kids. Stop taking for granted all the wonderful things I have. Also work on updating my chatbooks I’ve been putting off. I will keep Holli in my prayers.
Bless your heart, Mel, for being a friend. For being a Jonathan to your David. What your post has inspired me to do is pray. For Holli, for her family, for all those that love her. Holli sounds like an amazing woman that loves Jesus and loves others ferociously! She knows the end to her story. And it’s a grand one!!! Romans 8:28
It also sounds like she will be missed greatly. Blessings for those dear ones❣️
What a humbling and inspiring story! I came searching for a dinner recipe for tonight. Today is my first day out of quarantine after having Covid. My energy is low, and I can’t taste and smell so I was feeling pretty bad for myself (like really, I have to make dinner for my family even when I can’t taste it?). But all that changed when I read about Holli! Now I’m crying and completely filled with gratitude for my life and blessings!! Today in honor of Holli I will feel grateful for the energy I have and think of her when my day feels hard. So many prayers and love for this beautiful family that I don’t know❤️
Holli my heart, my thoughts, and my prayers are with you today, sister to sister, although we’ve never met. I pray for you and your family to receive all the comfort God might have for you today and every day. Hang in there– somehow this is all going to be worth it. My hard thing today will be to reach out to an extended family member that probably doesn’t realize how much I care for her.
Holli – Mel’s words today for you and about you inspire me to think and remember what matters most.
Your actions
Your walk
Your life
humbly but powerfully leave a footprint day by day that those who love you – and me as a new member of the “Be Strong for Holli Team” – want to follow. Your countenance radiates the angels that I know surround you. Praying that you receive “strength for the day”. My goal for a stronger Holli is to be a stronger me… to move one step and then another and to truly DO it. Hope on. Journey on.
What an amazing woman! In honor of Holli I am going to pray every morning this week to know who I can help that day. So often I get sucked into our busy schedule that I have a hard time looking outward. Thank you Holli for your example of following Jesus!
Good morning!
Holli’s story isn’t new to me. Her sister Dawna was a precious sister missionary who served in Gresham, WI when I was a teenager, and, of course had been sharing Holli’s tough battles for a long time. And a sister of Dawna’s has to be special, so today I will say another prayer for her and her family and do something hard. Like not lose my cool with my virtually-schooled 4th grader who tests my patience daily. Sending all the faith and love!
Holli, you inspire me to not take for granted the simple mundane tasks of motherhood, to instead appreciate every opportunity to use my capable body to bless others. I strive to have strength like you daily and am inspired by your example…keep fighting and know that you are in our prayers. Today I have a goal to spend quality one on one time with each of my 8 children….to connect deep with questions and interactions. I will snuggle up with my younger kiddos and start a chapter book read aloud. I will think of you as I begin this goal of quality time with my children….you are an inspiration…keep it up!❤️
Holli, you are indeed a warrior of God and I am in awe with your strength. I am going to do something that will be very hard for me this week. I am struggling with alcohol, have been for years. If you can deal with all the trials and tribulations from your illness and still have a smile on your face, I can resist pouring that wine into that glass tonight. I thank God for touching me deep down in my soul through Holli and Mel. Many blessings to all you love and who love you.
Hi Mel- you’re friend sounds like an amazing woman. I will also hug my children tight tonight and do something challenging that we all take for granted. Prayers to you both-
Lord Jesus, how I thank you for my sister Holli and her beautiful life. Although we’ve never met (yet), and that most likely won’t come until we’re with You in eternity, she is part of Your body, as am I. E we are called to weep with those who weep and rejoice, and I believe we WILL rejoice with and over Holli’s healing, with those who rejoice. We are to carry one another’s burdens regardless of if our eyes have ever met. You love Holli and You Haven chosen her as Yours. She is special and perfect and whole before your eyes. We don’t always understand the “why”s in life, but we know and declare You are good. I’m asking You Abba Father, in the mighty name of Jesus, and by the power of His blood, bring Your mighty, healing power upon Holli right now. Cause every cancerous cell to be eradicated in the mighty name of Jesus and never to return. Thank You Jesus. I know You hear every prayer for Holli and You will answer in Your perfect way and perfect timing. Let her know how much she is loved by those she’s never even met but are part of Yours, and her, family.
We’re praying for you Holli
Isaiah 49:5 He will be your Strength
What a touching post. And all the loving comments made me teary. Thank you for sharing and for allowing Holli’s courage to inspire all of us. I’m going to pray for Holli and her family today, and also thank God for the blessings in my life that I take for granted. And I’ll shower love on my family today in Holli’s honor. Also, I’m going to spend an hour today doing a ‘project’ that I have been procrastinating… and the more I shove it off the more guilt I feel. So thank you, Holli, for showing me that I can do hard things.
Holli, Mel has told me about you before and I know you are one incredible woman. Even though I have never met you, I love you! You are strong, so strong, even when you feel weak. You are “armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory.” Sending love from Montana.
This is everything!! I’ve just finished treatment for breast cancer last year and I know the value and blessings of the mundane…. the daily things that we take for granted… I am fortunate to see them everyday……but, I too push things away as they come to mind for whatever reason….
your request is fabulous and I can’t pin point what exactly I will do but I will carry you in my heart and when procrastination sets in I will push ahead and accomplish each task as it presents itself and say a prayer and blessing for you and your family!! Sending you so much love and light! Ghas great plans for you….
Hi Holli!
I am also a young mom battling cancer. Terminal ovarian cancer has filled the last two years of my life with pain and joy. Yes, joy. I have learned a lot about myself in the last two years, and I know I still have so much to learn. Keep fighting! You are an amazing inspiration to me, as I have had SUCH a hard time committing to a vegan diet, I blame myself a lot for my cancer because I still eat all the foods. So today, the hard thing I give to you is to pray for grace and strength to eat healthier and make the time for myself to do so. Good luck and God Bless you!
This might sound weird. I am going to tithe of my time and talents. So 10% of my day is going to be dedicated to serving others, studying my scriptures, working on family history etc.
Please let Holli know that we are in awe of her strength and amazing spirit. She is a true inspiration and I only hope I could have the grace of spirit that she has in abundance.
Holli, you sound like such an amazing person and I’m so sorry for all the trials you have been through and continue to go through. I will be praying for your comfort and peace and that you’ll feel Gods love.
My hard thing that I’m going to do every day this week is to read personal scriptures every day, as well as with my family. We’ve gotten out of a routine and it feels nearly impossible to get back in it. I know it seems silly and small. But it will be big for me. You will be my motivation. I’ll think of you as I read and we will pray for you too. Sending lots of love.
From highland, utah
Shelley Eggett
May Holli feel the embrace of God through this cancer journey. There is an amazing organization out that serves families with a parent dealing with cancer, and they are planning a legacy retreat in a few weeks. (Normally an in-person experience.) My brother has been on this retreat, and I would encourage Holli and her family to look up. Life changing. Google “Inheritance of Hope.”
Thanks for the inspiration to love more and appreciate everything around us, Mel!
I’m going to ditch the thoughts playing in my head that tell me I’m a dud and God doesn’t love me like he loves others. I’m going to choose Faith in a new way. Much love to and your family (Mel & Holli). ❤️
First time poster here.
Love this! Thank you for giving us all the opportunity to face our own “demons!” Today I’m finally FINALLY, going to conquer the last few bars of a piano piece that I’ve been avoiding for months!
You can do this Holli, you can do what God wants you to do! He’s your best friend!
God bless you Holli and for all the strong women who inspire courage,
Dear Hollie,
Thank you for your courage, your faith, and your strength. It is so easy to get caught up in the petty things of life and not appreciate what we have. I will express my love and appreciation to my dear husband and to my children. I will look for and appreciate the beauty that is all around me. In some small way I hope this honors you. You will be in my prayers and my thoughts. thank you again for reminding me how to live.
Dear Holli.
May the Lord bless you and keep you safe within His arms. I will pray for you and your family and friends each day. May you be strong in Him.
Mary
This post was beautiful!! I don’t know your friend but she is so inspiring!
Today I am going to love on all my kids more! I have been struggling lately cuz my baby (8 months old) is a terrible sleeper no matter what I try. Instead of being frustrated about getting up every hour I will look at this sweet boy and know that I am his comfort, his favorite person, and try to remember how lucky I am to be able to take care of him. When my other kids want me to read the same book a million times, tell me the same story and make the same messes I will soak it all in and remember that these days are long but the years are short and I will be so grateful to have the six wonderful kids!
I needed to read this today. My personal crises and physical concerns seem so inconsequential by contrast (no more comparisons! “Hard is hard no matter what you are going through or dealing with.”
I am counting my blessings and dis-counting my fears. My BeStrongForHolli goal is to begin to let go of grievances that have kept me from truly forgiving the people who have hurt me or the ones I love. Today I WANT to be FINALLY FREE of my angry heart. Therefore, TODAY I am going to write a love note to someone and actually SEND it! Thanks for the kick-in-the-pants impetus to ACT.
Today I am also going to mindfully LOOK upward and outward to SEE what I have been failing to see.
I’m reading this post snuggling my new baby.(boy #4… how do you do it?!) I love your recipes and enjoy your non-food posts as well. Your recipes grace our table many times during the week! I don’t usually post comments, but am feeling inspired by Holli and wanted her to know. I don’t have a specific goal to share yet, but will definitely start by hugging my family a little tighter today.
May Holli feel the embrace of her God and savior. My family and I will keep in our thoughts and prayers at this time of great trial. Many blessings, Terri
Thank you for being a good friend.
I love (love love love love) home decor BUT I’m the biggest chicken when it comes to the actual decorating part. I’d much rather appreciate someone else’s hard work. This month I’ll put together a gallery wall of family pictures. Reading (and bawling) about Holli’s beautiful family is a wonderful reminder to show gratitude for what I have. Prayers for you and your beautiful family❤️
Hi Mel,
I was sad to read about the valiant struggles of your friend, Holli. She sounds like an incredibly strong little warrior. I agree that few, if any of us could endure her battles with such faith.
Her story reminds me of one that Gary E. Stevenson told at the April 2020 conference about a young mom going through the battle of her life. I’m sure you’ll remember this talk.
She said, “faith is what gets me through these dark times. Having faith doesn’t mean nothing bad is going to happen. Having faith allows me to believe that there will be light again. And that light will be even brighter because I have walked through the dark. As much darkness as I have witnessed over the years, I have witnessed far more light. I have seen miracles. I have felt angels. I have known that my Heavenly Father was carrying me. None of that would have been experienced if life was easy. The future of this life may be unknown, but my faith is not. If I choose NOT to have faith then I choose to only walk in darkness, because without faith, darkness is all that is left.”
Holli embodies this kind of undaunted faith, and I’ll certainly best praying for her and her family.
Thank you for sharing her inspiring story with me; it makes me want to DO better…BE better.
Please give her a hug for me.
Kathy Michaels
Very simply said, thank you for sharing Holli’s story. Holli reminds us to be to grateful for the little things and knows that every day shared with loved ones is a blessing. My thoughts and prayers and with Holli and her family and again, thank you for reminding me what matters in life as I think it is very easy to forget day to day.
This week I will be”Rockin Hard for Holli” by making sure I study the Lord’s words before the worlds words (I struggle with connected with God sometimes because I read other books and listening to podcasts before connected with him- dang temptations!)
Hopping on my dusty treadmill today in honor of you, Holli! Thanks for sharing this story, Mel, and for being generally awesome.
My heart is filled with much sadness that Holli’s life is SO hard right now…as I grow older (I will be 70 soon) I realize now more than ever.. HOW so many people have such terrible hardships in their lives…and all we have is the right here and now…so make everyday count…my mother use to say that growing older was the greatest gift of all because u get to see life from one decade to another change your mind and your heart…I hope the Universe helps her (and u) to enjoy each and everyday…and NEVER give up the “fight of life” (as I call it)…because we never know what the next day will hold…peace to u ALL…
Thank you for this – the reminder & the challenge. Today I walked three miles and told my body “thank you” for the ability to do so. God bless you Holli. And that’s one of my favorite songs too. <3
Well written. We all need those reminders as life can change us all so quickly. Life isn’t a dress rehearsal and clearly your dear friend is living her way. Continued prayers and wishing you many more blessings with your friend. Make the memories, video the laughs, capture the photos. One day that’s all we have to look at to reflect the purist joy of our relationships we’ve made along our journey.
Holli, Holli, what an amazing person you are! You take the worst and turn your face to the best. I will take some steps today and while I do, I will say your name — Holli — to remind me the impossible is not and that every day we have is a wonder day. I have been dealing with post retirement issues that have gotten me down somewhat, but today, tomorrow, and every day until it is settled, I will say to myself, “If Holli can, I can.” You, my dear sister in womanhood, are a true inspiration!
I am going to happily and thankfully help my children with virtual school today and this week. It has been a tough year with my kids being at home EVERY DAY. They thrive at school and really miss it. I struggle with patience with them. Reading this post made me thankful for the the things I can do and the things I can help my children with. Tears steaming down my face for your sweet friend. Some people are asked to endure so much, yet the rest of know why. They are strong enough to handle it. They are strong enough to persevere. They show strength and faith like no other. So thankful for the plan of salvation, the only thing that keeps me going some days. Holli and her family will be in my prayers.