This morning, while taking Henry outside, I ran into our sweet neighbor on her usual daily walk.

She stopped and said hello and we began to chat about everyday holiday-type things – when she started crying as she told me she has just been diagnosed with breast cancer.

As soon as she got the words out, my heart dropped and I jumped over to hug her.

Thank goodness, her cancer has been found in stage one but she is understandably very afraid and unsure of how she is supposed to just “enjoy Christmas” as her doctor suggested while she waits for her surgery and radiation after the new year.

I offered all of the reassurances I know to be true – that finding the cancer in stage one is the best possible news if this had to happen and she will almost certainly recover and do very well – but I hate so much that she has to walk through this.

That said, in memory of our sweet Lindsey, who is always with me as I roam around, as well as Chani, who passed away earlier this year, and in honor of all those who fight breast cancer, please put your self exams on your calendars today and schedule your mammograms right away if they are due. Self care and early detection are so important.

Also, please keep Mrs. I in your prayers. It is a tough Christmas for her and her family, and she is filled with anxiety, facing many unknowns, and I told her we will all be praying. ❤

Be well, everybody. Take care of yourselves and each other.

Grace and Blessings.

Our Christmas song today is Celtic Worship’s gorgeous version of O Little Town of Bethlehem.