These are the things I've learned...

Since my family has been introduced first hand to the C-word I have said that it has taught me a lot about what really matters....when I really sit down and think about it there are 3 main things it has taught me:

1. God has a greater plan for my life than I could ever imagine. He always knows what he is doing. He never second guesses the things he does and he never gives up on His people. Who would have ever thought that Barclay would touch literally THOUSANDS of people's lives through his illness? Through this terrible time he has been able to share his unwavering faith in the Lord with multitudes of people. He has been given the opportunity to glorify God through a time when most people would start questioning and asking God why. Instead...we have learned to say, "Why not us? Why not Barclay?"

2. I have learned who is really important in my life. My family will be stronger than ever after we cross the finish line and Barclay is completely healthy again. We have had our share of tough times over the last few months but we have stuck together. We have not taken this illness as being Barclay's alone...it's like the cancer has taken a hold in all of us. We will not be well until Barclay is well. Also, I've learned who we can truly rely on. Many of our friends have stuck by us and have taken care of us like we were their own family. I can not think of greater people to have in my life and I am so thankful that God placed them in our lives for just a time as this.

3. You can not take things for granted. I realized on April 26th how many things I took for granted and how many things really just didn't matter. As I sat outside my class that morning crying (because that is all I could do for a few days) I realized that the final I was about to go in and take really didn't matter in the grand scheme of things. One day my GPA, the clothes I wear, my dress size, the makeup I wear, whether I dated anyone in college, the money in my bank account, the positions I hold, etc. will NOT matter...I learned that I have to live my life for TODAY...because we are not promised tomorrow. Things happen. Life happens. But we can not forget who we are and who we live for. We can't forget what our purpose on this Earth is...to glorify God in every thing we do. We are here to serve. We are here to help others and give of ourselves.

Everything happens for a reason...I truly believe that God has put our faith to the test and for it we will be better people, a better family, and better believers. I was living my life for me and for what I could work for and get to some day. Now, I remember to live for today. I remember how precious and short life is and how incredibly blessed I am. I remember to put on a smile and be happy even when I don't feel like being happy. I remember to hug my Dad in the morning...I remember to send encouraging text messages....I remember to tell people how much I appreciate them...I tell my friends and family that I love them.

Please remember to live your life for today. And always remember to tell your loved ones how much you love and appreciate them. Tomorrow is never promised.