Something important.

I have mentioned on my blog many, many times that I just adore my in-laws. There's this American stereotype that one's in-law are supposed to be terrible, overbearing people who are fussy and hate you. I don't know why. Mine are great. They can't be the only ones out there. So many people would say "ugh" if they had to visit their in-laws. I love spending time with mine, because they are great!

And I just love my mother in law, Denise, to pieces. I know I've said that on here, too. She is my other mom. My mom even likes her, and they are good friends- another anti-stereotype. Denise has been doing Bible studies with us for a few years, and I love seeing her at church or when we go to their home to watch a ball game, since Brandon and I don't have cable (actually, he watches a ball game, I talk to Denise and watch fun tv with her and my youngest brother in law, Jonathan!) I love spending time with her, whether we're going out shopping or just staying home and having a nice long chat.

Because I love Denise so much, I have a prayer request to share with you, my bloggy friends. Denise is having surgery on Wednesday afternoon. She is having a nephrectomy- they are taking out her kidney. And attached to her kidney is a very large (5 and a half inch) tumor. The doctors found this tumor two weeks ago when Denise went for a CT scan because of some belly pains she was having. We were expecting a hernia that could be easily repaired with some surgery. But they found this dumb tumor. And her doctor has said that it is, in all probability, cancer. But there is some good news- a second scan didn't reveal any more tumors, and her lymph nodes look great. This could mean that the cancer is contained to that one spot, and may be easy to fight against. Easy as cancer goes, anyway. It's different than having a mole removed. But hey, it's a good thing we all have two kidneys, right?

I would really appreciate your prayers for our family this week. Pray for Denise, that the surgery will be an amazing success. It would be great if this turned out not to be cancer, but if it is, pray that it's the kind that's easier to eradicate. Pray for any nervousness or worries she may have. Pray for her husband and sons. Pray for wisdom for her doctors. Pray for a short hospital stay and an easy, quick recovery. Pray that I won't worry about her too much while I'm gone on my trip. I'm personally hoping that one good thing that comes out of all this is that she gets a break from work- her career is very hectic and crazy right now and she has been working way, way too hard. In all of this, I'm thankful that she will have a recovery period after the surgery where she won't have to work- and I can go over to her house during the day and spend time watching movies and hanging out with her. You have to look for the silver lining, you know?

I'm glad that I have friends and caring people who read this blog and are willing to pray for me and my family. I'm thankful for all of you, and I pray that you will be richly blessed.

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