Within the circle that was our high school Bible study group, I heard the wiry blonde girl request prayer for her father’s cancer that had just recently returned. Her voice held no hint of dramatic intonations typical of the other girls’ angst-filled prayer requests. There was no self-pity in her story. She simply relayed the facts and then listened intently to others. I was surprised— and impressed.

Fast forward eleven years and that tiny beautiful blonde girl who eventually lost her father to cancer is not only my sister via marriage to my brother, but also a friend and someone whose pervasive thoughtfulness and self-sacrifice is something I wish to emulate. Especially after this weekend.

Desiree and I missed our plane, had to fly out the next day, then arrived too early, and were partly hazy as to where we were exactly when Landon and Amy arrived at the airport to pick us up. Amy put together an entire relay. We could barely get ourselves San Francisco.

“There’s coffee and muffins and bananas in that bag for you guys,” Amy said as we fell into the backseat of their car. Desiree and I looked at each other with amazement.

No. Freaking. Way. She baked, too.

In honor and memory of her father and his years of battling cancer, Amy arranged a team of volunteers to participate in the San Francisco Relay For Life held by the American Cancer Society. No only was she one of the Society’s largest fundraisers, she also made t-shirts and a poster for our
team, put together thoughtful gift bags and prizes for participants, provided lunch and snacks for all who joined, decorated everything in color-coordinated ribbons, bags, napkins, etc. (yeah she’s going to be one of THOSE moms. My kids will be lucky if I remember to put shoes on them.) My jaw dropped at the amount of time, work and thoughtfulness she poured into this event to honor her father.

Desiree and I were teary-eyed at her remarkable display of love, courage, and consideration.

And I’d really, really like it if they could keep that adorable bundle of beauty in this picture.

And um…I really, really, burnt my face.

And check out this touching story of a friends'journey to San Fran for different, but also great reasons.