a request

So, last week I promised to show you pictures today from the Antique Show I went to while in Astoria. Yes, I went to the show...and took lots of pics...but I had to use my mom's camera (since I forgot mine! smooth) and haven't gotten them off her camera to my computer yet. SO, I'm hoping to have the pics for you tomorrow. Sorry about that! I have to admit that the event was smaller than I was hoping for, and I DIDN'T BUY ANYTHING (can you believe it?) but I still took some fun pics.

So for today, on an entirely different note (this is not something I usually use this blog for, but...I think you'll understand). The night before we left for the beach I got a call with some tough news. My good friend Lauree has a daughter, Audrey, who's just a little bit older than my daughter. (Audrey just turned four a few months ago.) In fact, Audrey and my daughter are good friends who have a lot in common personality-wise. They've had several playdates this year and have attended each other's birthday parties, and her parents and I are always struck by how similar they are. Anyway, apparently little Audrey was just diagnosed with leukemia.

Now, I don't know a lot of details, because I've been out of town since Thursday and haven't received any updates; so I don't know what kind of leukemia it is, or what the plan of treatment may be. I only know that my good friend is living a nightmare right now, and her sweet, tiny daughter - so like my own - is facing a horrendous disease.

If you are a praying person - or even if you're not - would you consider praying for Audrey? So many of you readers are moms yourselves, and I'm sure you can imagine what kinds of emotions news like this would bring. Little Audrey has an amazing family and extended family, and I know she will be so supported and loved during the following months and years to come. But...leukemia. The word puts dread in my heart. I'll be praying for comfort and peace for her parents, grandparents, and for little Audrey as well. I'll also be praying for wisdom for her doctors up at Doernbecher's Children's Hospital. And especially for strength for her mommy.

**Edited to add: I did find out that Audrey has a more treatable type of leukemia. She started chemotherapy immediately upon receiving the diagnosis, and will most likely lose her hair within the next three weeks. And, even worse...this will most likely be a brutal chemotherapy treatment process that will last for the next two years. From what I understand, this all went down in the course of one day - last Wednesday. It's just heartwrenching. One day you take your child into the doctor for some random symptoms...the next, you've entered the cancer ward at the leading children's hospital in your state. How shocking is that for a parent?**