"March Forth"

This day is a special one every year. March 4th, 2009, was the day of Mom's last radiation treatment for breast cancer. She finished chemo and surgery in November/December 2008, and this was the last step in her path to recovery. We've re-christened it "March Forth" because she moved forward in confidence and health.

It's a little easier to look back on those days now that we are further removed, but it was a very difficult time for our family. Chance and I had been married a month when Mom was diagnosed (in fact, their first visit to our home together was to tell us the news), and it was the first major crisis I'd really faced in my life. In addition to learning how to be married in general, Chance and I had to learn to deal with a health crisis and the worry, fear and strain that comes with that.

Also looking back, it's easier to pinpoint God's provision and watchcare over Chance and I and Mom and Dad. He put people, situations and encouragement into our lives at specific times to keep us faithful and hopeful. Mom had a team of great doctors and surgeons, a supportive circle of friends and a network of people praying for and supporting her. She was an encouragement to me and countless others, and she used this time of trial to magnify God's plan for her life.

A health crisis can be one of the most trying times for a family, and we certainly felt our moments of stress and worry. However, we grew so close together and strengthened our faith in the Lord because that was all we could do. For a girl like me who doesn't let control slip very far from her fingers, that was definitely a stretching lesson. We had to rely on God and trust in His plan and His timing because we had no control over anything--and we still don't.

It is gratifying to think each year how far we've come and to reflect on the memories-good and bad-and to spend time being thankful for Mom's health. Thankful seems like an understatement.

Mom might not love this picture, but it's from her very last chemo treatment in November 2008. That was a long, intense road that we were thankful to put behind us. We had a little party in her treatment area, and the nurses gave her a certificate of completion!

Mom spoke at her church's women's ministry dinner about her journey. This was the original "March Forth" commemoration.

Three months post-treatment and she already had a healthy glow back!

These days, she's looking as fabulous as ever--and looking very forward to being Mimi in a few more months!

Mom, I love you, and I'm so thankful to have your faith, love and support as a living legacy to me. I can appreciate all that we went through as a family because of where we are now. You are so strong and lovely and beautiful and wise, and so many more things I aspire to be. I love being grown-up friends with you, and I'm excited to introduce you to our child and watch you be a fantastic, doting Mimi. I'm grateful every day for you.