On February 5th we celebrated Mom's 2 year "Whipple-versary!"  I can remember that day, 2 years ago,  so clearly.  It was a morning full of emotion, my whole family was up at 3am, we were nervous, anxious, sick to our stomachs...but we were also at peace.  We could feel God's presence like never before, we felt His peace, that surpassed ALL understanding. 

We had instructions to pull up in front of MGH, because we couldn't go into the hospital with her (covid protocol).  Mom had to walk in by herself to have one of the most complex surgeries in medicine.   Our faces were pressed up against the doors at MGH waving goodbye to her as she got on the elevator and the doors closed, we were next to others that also just had to leave their loved ones at the door.   It was awful, and there were tears!  But there was still peace.  

As my family celebrated LIFE this past Sunday, I was reminded of this verse:  Genesis 50:20-21 (MSG) "Don't you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good as you see all around you right now - life for many people.  Easy now, you have nothing to fear, I'll take care of you and your children."  He reassured them, speaking with them heart-to-heart. "

I am by no means saying cancer is good!  It's heart-wrenching, life-taking, plan-ruining awfulness!  But, what has come out of that situation is beauty, a completely different and full appreciation for life, a deeper relationship with the God that calls us His children and desires to walk with us in the valleys, an ability to keep the small stuff...small, and appreciate the good things life has brought us in the past 2 years.  We choose to practice hope and love on a daily basis.  Only God can do that.   

We also continue to reflect upon and remember everyone that came around all of us for Mom's cancer journey and beyond.  The love that we felt.  We couldn't have done it without the Community Chapel staff and congregation, our extended family and our friends.    You all loved us so well and were the example of what "love one another" means.    Thank you.  

With gratitude,

The Copeland, Golden, Hansen families!