Each day we have a choice on how to live our lives. We can choose to simply go through the motions of life, checking boxes from tooth-brushing to taxes—24 hours, followed by 24 hours, followed by another 24 hours. Or, we can be present in the life we have been given, feeling deeply as we see all colors, hear all music, and feel all the love God has placed around us.
No one is more present in life than my sweet Brynna.
Brynna is my best friend Darla’s daughter-in-law, and is like another daughter to me. I have watched her from the time she started to date her husband, to the accomplished woman and mother she is today. Her husband, Austin, is a son to me and my attorney, and their three children are like my own grandchildren... she is FAMILY.
And, she is very ill.
After the birth of her second child, in 2012, Brynna began having headaches that her doctors explained as, “Everyone has headaches.” Without ordering a scan or any tests, they sent her to physical therapy for her dizziness, and then to several headache clinics to help manage the pain. None of the medications they tried helped with the waves of intense symptoms she was experiencing. Following the birth of her third baby, the symptoms became so intense that she couldn’t take care of her little one, so she sought the expertise of yet another doctor. He asked if she had ever had a brain scan. When she said no, he immediately ordered an MRI, and that is when they found “the big scary stuff." They gave her as little as 3 months to live, with two small children and an 8-week old premature baby. Brynna had to face the fact that her journey in mortality would be cut short and her children might not ever remember her. They discovered over 25 tumors near the brainstem and that area of the brain was just too high risk to surgically get a biopsy. What radiologists thought were Glioblastoma from her initial brain scan ended up being growths that the medical community had never seen before. Top neurosurgeons in our country and from across the pond were immediately looped in to consult on her rare, “never before seen” case. Consequently, Brynna signed a release and turned her case over to the medical community for study and research. Because of the many unknowns, this precious little family felt they still had a fighting chance and were given the miracle of more time. It was decided that they would continue to monitor the tumors with regular brain scans and extensive testing in auto-immune diseases etc. Specialists in several medical fields got involved and through time, still nothing was conclusive regarding her diagnosis. The tumors continued to grow slowly over the next 3 years but they remained relatively stable. Periodically, they would have a handful of scares where a new tumor would pop up and her symptoms would worsen, and protocols were implemented to help relieve her symptoms. World renowned Neurosurgeons and Tumor Boards all concurred that the symptoms had to outweigh the risk of cutting into the brain, and it would still be best to monitor the growth and changes. For a time, Brynna’s tumors became dormant and we were all very hopeful. Then, on Christmas Day 2019, she had another flare up, but this time the symptoms didn’t subside or end. After another MRI they found a new tumor actively growing and blocking her brain fluid. There was NO choice... it was time to take the risk and get a biopsy. On May 21, 2020 she kissed her husband and children goodbye, not knowing what her outcome would be, and because of COVID-19, she had to walk into the hospital alone. She later told me “As I went into the hospital for surgery, I felt the presence of a thousand angels which helped me feel more calm than I had ever experienced before." At that point, she would make it through her procedure. Maybe not completely “whole” because it was a very high risk surgery, but it would be okay and she would accept and live with the physical and mental deficits that might follow. Even with the complications she experienced after her surgery, Brynna walked out of the hospital on her own 3 days later. It was an absolute miracle!!! After getting the pathology reports, the doctors decided it was time to start very, very aggressive treatments. What we are praying for now in her words are, “Lifesaving or at least life extending results."
I’ve watched and wondered in utter amazement how she’s found the strength and will to push through these past few years and now these horrific treatments? Her response to me was, “My Faith. I have never felt alone through this entire ordeal. That doesn’t mean it hasn’t been hard… but I have peace that God is in charge." She also has the most amazing support in her husband, family and friends. No one is or could be more loved. She also told me she surrounds herself with favorite uplifting quotes she repeats daily for the comfort they bring.
“Believe in miracles, I have seen so many of them come when every other indication would say that hope was lost. Hope is never lost.” ~Jeffery Holland
“Your father in heaven knows your name and knows your circumstance. He hears your prayers. He knows your hopes and dreams, including your fears and frustrations. And He knows what you can become through faith in Him.” ~Jeffrey Holland
And this one…..
”You have been assigned this mountain to show others it can be moved.” (Unknown)
On this sacred day I would so appreciate it if you would add your prayers, to all of ours, for Brynna. Just like in one of my favorite scriptures in Jeremiah 29:12, “Then ye shall call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me and I will hearken unto you."
I know prayer is the most powerful force on earth and part of that power comes when we pray for each other, unitedly. As challenges and struggles come upon us, and they will, let’s help each other choose to see the good and the bad, the joy and the sorrow from our lives. And always remember the strength we gain by helping to carry one another‘s burdens.
xoxo
I love you all.
#SundayMessage