Not Good-bye But Until We Meet Again...

My friend, Courtney Hill, passed away Monday at 30 years of age while lying in her husband's arms.  She leaves behind Robert, her husband of eight years, and Madison, their five-year old daughter.  Courtney was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 25 and fought long and hard.  She was even fighting right up to the end, determined not to let cancer have the upperhand.  Unfortuntely, her body was tired and couldn't continue the fight any longer.

One of the verses Courtney clung to was  "Yes, may you see your children’s children." (Psalm 128:6, New King James Version).  She felt God was telling her she would beat this disease and live to see her grandchildren.  Unfortunately, that wasn't the case.  But, the more I thought about it, I feel like God was telling Courtney that she would see the results of her life and testimony not in flesh-and-blood children but the ones born from her courage, strength and testimony to live and God.  Courtney didn't try to hide the fact that she had cancer.  She proudly proclaimed the strength of her God to anyone who would listen.  She boldly walked around without a scarf or wig on her head after she lost her hair.  Courtney would gladly talk to anyone who approached her with questions.  I think people will see her strength in troubled times and wonder where it came from and this will lead them to Courtney's God, Jehovah Shalom (God is Peace), Jehovah Rapha (God our healer), and Jehovah Shammah (God is there).  Those who come to God through Courtney's testimony and life will become her children in the Lord.

This is a picture of Courtney giving her testimony in May at our MOPS group.

Courtney and her daughter Madison greet Maria at one of our MOPS meetings.  Even as sick as she was, Courtney was determined to get out and live instead of sitting at home mourning.

Rest in Peace Courtney.  Enjoy the presence of your God and rest in His arms.  We will see you again on the other side.

Congratulations Are In Order

Yesterday, our local paper had a story about a lady I know from MOPS. About six years ago, Courtney went to her OB/GYN to see about a pea-sized lump in her breast. The doctor basically said not to worry about it and didn't run any tests. Later that year, Courtney got pregnant. During her pregnancy, the lump got much larger and became very painful. She was diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer. She was 25 years old and had no family history of Breast Cancer. Her baby was born and Courtney was treated. Thankfully, after many, many treatments, she was cancer-free. Sometime in the last few months, her doctors found spots on her liver and spine. She started treatment again. The spots on her liver has not grown any and, if I remember correctly, the spots on her spine are gone. She is also dealing with enlarged lymph nodes but the doctor says they are not cancerous.

Because of the lack of testing, Courtney and her husband sued the doctor. The judgement came back Thursday in favor of Courtney. She is to receive a very large settlement, the largest of it's kind in the state of Tennessee, where the doctor was licensed. Courtney did this in hopes that no other woman will have to go through what she went and is going through. Congratulations Courtney!! Our prayers are with you and your family for a complete and thorough healing!!!

If you are interested in following Courtney's journey, she has a site on Caring Bridge. It is www.caringbridge.org/visit/courtneyhill.