What a week.

I haven't had time to do many posts. There's a lot I do want to say as I sit and think about the hearts that have been absolutely crushed this week. The lives that have been changed forever.

Sorry, this may be a lot of jumble.

Just please keep this precious family in prayer - the Newell family.

Uncle Brian [Chad's uncle, his mom's brother] lost his battle with cancer early Monday morning. Such an amazing father, brother, husband, and son. He is going to be greatly missed by so so many. In 2007, he was spared in the car accident their family had which took their son Drew [yes, this family has absolutely been through it. Let's stop for a minute and pause. Seriously, could. you. imagine?] Brian was in a coma for months. Months! Only to have cancer take his life all too early just several years later.

These are the things I will never ever understand.

We aren't suppose to question God, but sometimes I just sit, cry and want to know "WHY?"

I'm sorry but if you've never faced the evil glare of death in the eye and lost a loved one then please - I beg you - count your many blessings. It is something you never want to face. I was just sitting next to Brian at the Thanksgiving table about ten weeks ago, saw him once at Christmas, now the next time I will see him is in heaven.

Just like when I gave my own dad a too-quick hug goodbye at my bridal shower then hours later I was slumped over his cold body at the hospital, uncontrollably sobbing - nearly fainting - along side my sister who began vomiting in the trash can as her fragile little body was shaking so hard from weeping.

Clinging on with every ounce of our being. Not wanting to let go.

A cold, lifeless body. Never to see or talk to again.

Morbid? Gross?

No, it's just a harsh, harsh reality we've had to face along with so many countless others.

One day they are there.

The next day they are gone.

That's life folks.

Treat it as an absolute gift.

Chad's Papa Jack just lost his son Monday and then tonight we get the phone call that his sister [Chad's great aunt] just passed away as well. Again, this family certainly needs your prayers! All of them - immediate and extended.

Mine and Chad's hearts are absolutely aching as the family will travel 4 hours to Boone tomorrow for the funeral arrangements Wednesday and Thursday and we have decided to stay behind. It's best since I'm 38 weeks, having Braxton Hicks contractions daily, an ultrasound and doctor appointment also. We just want to be there though SO BAD. To give a hug...to hold a hand. My prayer is for comfort, peace and strength for this sweet family. Please pray for Chad's parents, sister's family, grandparents, etc...as they make that drive. They have been nonstop back and forth over the past few weeks as Brian's health began to get worse.

As for more updates as to what we've had going on, please pray for my Papa as well. We took him to the ER on Saturday because of complications he'd had for a week or so and he has not been doing well since. He had colon cancer removed in October 2010. Same complications are coming back again. We hope and pray we are not going back down that road again, but knew it was inevitable at some point. We meet with more doctors tomorrow afternoon.

What a week...

but one thing remains the same, through and through...

Psalm 18:2

"The LORD is my rock, my fortress, my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."

Thank you in advance for the prayers and hug your loved ones a little tighter this week.

Hopefully I can update about our precious baby Cade later tomorrow. Good night!