Thursday, April 11, 2013

Thursday's Children: What Really Matters

Posted by: Jeff McKown

Thursday's Children is a weekly blog hop where writers come together to talk about what inspires them. 

 I'm participating today and you can too. A link to other Thursday's Children writers is at the end of the post.

 Thanks to Rhiann Wynn Nolet for orchestrating this affair.


My "Thursday's Children" article this week is literally about children. Not so much all children, just one. A very inspiring and brave little girl named Lisa.

LoveYouLisa
In June of 2008, my friend Linda's three year-old daughter Lisa was diagnosed with Stage IV Neuroblastoma cancer.

For the last five years, Lisa's illness and treatments have had her in and out of the hospital countless times. She has been poked, prodded, chemo-ed, and radiated.

All the while, she has fought like a champion.

A couple of days ago, Lisa was taken to the ER with a high temperature, nausea, and increased pain in her legs and head, and she was again admitted to the hospital. Today, her battle rages on, and Lisa's parents and siblings find themselves once more in the helpless and agonizing position of waiting and wondering and wishing.

I have witnessed all of this from a great distance, through only the lens of the internet. But even from here, over the thousands of miles from California to Michigan, the strength of Lisa, Linda, and their family inspires me.

Linda has chronicled much of the journey of her little "warrior" on a blog, and I IMPLORE you to read the post she wrote this week entitled "Live Life." Linda's words are honest, heart-wrenching, and powerful. With Linda's permission, I am sharing her words, hoping that you might be inspired to remember to take nothing for granted.

After you've read Linda's post, I ask one thing in return: a compassionate thought or positive vibe, or perhaps if you're so inclined (and this means a lot coming from an atheist), a prayer.


 Learn more about Lisa at the LoveYouLisa Facebook page. 

 Click here to view other Thursday's Children blog posts, or check out Rhiann's website for more info.
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12 comments:

  1. UnknownApril 11, 2013 at 3:43 PM

    Well said, Jeff. Every Sunday that we see Lisa in church, or any weekday my kids mention seeing her at school, I'm thankful she was well enough to be there. And when she's not there, we're always worried and wondering how she's doing.

    After reading Linda's post the other day... well, we're definitely worried.

    I keep hoping for the best for Lisa and her family, though. Thanks for sharing this.

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    1. Jeff McKownApril 11, 2013 at 10:33 PM

      Thanks very much for the comment. Sharing a story like Lisa's and a post as thoughtful and honest as Linda's was definitely a privilege.

      Delete
  2. AnonymousApril 11, 2013 at 6:36 PM

    Lisa is amazing. Her parents, brothers, sisters, Aunts, Uncles, and Grandparents are incredible. The friends and countless people that have never met Lisa have been there for this little girl and the family. Please pray for her healing. Please support Pediatric Cancer Research. Thank you.

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    1. Jeff McKownApril 11, 2013 at 10:34 PM

      Thanks very much for the comment. I haven't met most of Lisa's extended family, but I am certain (based on my experience with Linda and her immediate family) that they are wonderful folks!

      Delete
  3. Dannie MorinApril 11, 2013 at 7:43 PM

    Sending good thoughts Lisa's way, Jeff. Thank you for sharing.
    ~Dannie @ Left to Write

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    1. Jeff McKownApril 11, 2013 at 10:37 PM

      Thank you so much Dannie. Hope it's okay that I followed you on Twitter :)

      Delete
  4. AnonymousApril 11, 2013 at 7:50 PM

    There's little that's more heart-wrenching than a very sick child. I feel so sorry for Lisa and her family. I have two kids myself and know that those things could just as easily be happening to my family. Positive thoughts headed their way.

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    1. Jeff McKownApril 11, 2013 at 10:39 PM

      Thanks much Rhiann for the comment, and even more so for the positive thoughts. I'm certain that Lisa and her family need all the good vibes they can get at this point.

      Delete
  5. ksheridanApril 12, 2013 at 2:25 AM

    That your friend Linda can share her thoughts and feelings so candidly during this most difficult time, and especially that she generously relates her experience reminding others to LIVE life and make every moment count... speaks volumes about the person she must be. Sending love and all good thoughts to her and to her loved ones.

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    Replies
    1. Jeff McKownApril 12, 2013 at 9:41 AM

      She is remarkable, indeed. Her will, attitude, strength, and generous spirit make this often shitty world a more tolerable place.

      Delete
  6. Chris Allen-RileyApril 15, 2013 at 9:29 PM

    My heart is breaking for Lisa and her family. Sending them all positive thoughts and love.

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  7. Jeff McKownApril 16, 2013 at 8:59 PM

    Thanks Chris. Each extra kind and compassionate thought can only help :)

    ReplyDelete

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