On Friday, January 21st Sarah and Justin Stewart took their 11 year old daughter back to the doctor to find out why she was not getting better after two rounds of antibiotics for strep. Lauren was sent to Brenner's Children Hospital and around 11 pm we found out she had Leukemia. Saturday, January 22nd after many tests we were all excited to learn that she had the most treatable and curable kind of cancer. We were hopeful and knew that she would get treatments and would be home and doing well. Yes we knew it may take a few years for her to be cured but we all believed she would be cured. Well she was cured of Leukemia on Sunday, February 13th around 8:10 am. The sad thing is she was not cured the way we wanted her cured...she was cured when God took her to heaven and gave her a new healthy body. Lauren was such an awesome young lady. She often helped me with kindergarteners or first graders when I would volunteer on Saturday nights. She was always willing to help in any way she could and was great with the kids. She loved helping them and also loved playing games with them. When I see Lauren in my mind I see her holding her sisters' hands and walking together. They always seemed to truly love and adore each other. I see her beautiful smile and dark hair. I see her passing out snacks in The Snack Shack most of which she could not eat but she didn't complain about it. I see her running in her Upward Soccer games. I see and hear her beautiful voice as she sang with her sisters in the children's Christmas play. I laugh as I can see her trying to keep Cameron from breaking loose and shaking her booty on the stage at church. I see a beautiful young lady who will be forever missed by many friends. As sad as it has been for us, I just can't imagine what her parents, sisters, aunt and uncle, grandparents and other family members are feeling. I have been amazed at her family's faith and their ability to praise God in this horrific storm. I hope that if I am ever in a horrible storm like this, that I have the same faith and is able to praise God like they have. Lauren's family has been such an inspiration to us all. They could have been asking why and complaining because in our selfish world parents should not have to bury their children and grandparents really should not have to see their grandchildren buried. They have not done this...they have praised God instead. I have hope that because of their faith and ability to praise God in this dark time that many people will be touched and brought to the Lord. I know that God has a purpose for everything and I pray that lives will forever be touched and changed because this beautiful girl has passed away. Lauren we love you and will greatly miss you but we will see you again!!!!
Orange is the color for Leukemia!
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