URGENT PRAYER REQUEST...

This isn't the update I was expecting to be writing today, but it's much more important than what I had planned, anyway.

I just recieved a message from my Dad in Maryland that I needed to call them immediately. This is the first time that has ever happened, so I knew it was important. So, even though it was 11:30pm here in CA, I called him.

My family just found out today that my little sister, Brittany, has been diagnosed with 2nd or 3rd stage cervical cancer. At least, that's what I think he said. He was pretty groggy as I woke him up in the middle of the night. I know the '2nd or 3rd stage' part is right, as he said that multiple times.

The doctors had been watching something for the past few weeks, and it wasn't until today that they were able to determine that it is cancer.

Both of my parents are taking this news very hard, as can be expected. My older sister, Carrie, is thinking about taking a leave of absence from her job to go live with my parents, and help take care of Brittany through all this. She's a specialized nurse who graduated from Johns Hopkins, so the thinking is that she would be a good person to have with Brittany through all of her appointments and such.

I will be staying put here in CA for the time being. If her condition worsens, I will more than likely be looking into going there. But for all our sakes, I'm praying that won't be the case.

Please PRAY that God will see fit to heal my little sister. PRAY that God will grant the specialists she will be seeing next week increased wisdom and clarity of thought as they examine her case. Please PRAY that God will send an extra measure of strength, faith, and courage to my Mom and Dad. Please PRAY that Brittany will face this new foe bravely. She has a 1-yr.-old son, Bryton, and I'm sure this is a scary time for her.

Thank you for petitioning the throne of grace on all our behalves,
Sam.