Sudden change

I grew up in an old farm house beside a long country road. My childhood is packed full of memories in the "old farm house", many days wandering about, and enjoying a country life. As a child you long for the company of others kids, playmates to share your daily adventures. When you live in the country you are willing to walk a million miles to grasp hands with the neighbor kids. Growing up I lived three miles from my neighbor/best friend, but that didn't matter because we always found ways to get together. My dear friend Raley was my accomplice in many adventures, mysteries, fun outings and excursions. We spent most of our childhood days together, it helped that our parents were/are best friends. My childhood is filled with joyful memories of Raley. Now older and experiencing new and different things we have continued to stay close. We are still close at heart even though miles separate us.

Unfortunately these past memories have been haunting me lately. In the past two weeks Raley's life has changed dramatically. Her busy life and exciting new dreams were brought to a sudden stop. Our friendship is about to take a sudden and our friendship is changing quickly.

About two months ago Raley found out she had epilepsy, she was crushed but kept an up-beat attitude. She was being optimistic and was willing to work extra hard in order to continue with her normal life. A few weeks after Raley went in for a routine MRI scan. Little did she, or anyone know the following hours were about to reveal that she had a brain tumor - a tumor that had been growing for many years. Raley was shaken, she was frustrated, and confused why this was happening to her.

everyone was in complete shock.

I have been praying for Raley every day, and thinking about her ALL the time. It is hard, what can I say? What can I do? What words will fill her heart with hope, and positive thoughts? You never plan, or prepare for something like this. I can't imagine the pain and processing that is going on in her life. I only know that my heart is breaking for her. I love that ball of bubbly, sweet, funny, smart, outgoing, silly, kind kick of a girl. She is such a blessing in my life and I can't explain how scared I am, for her, and her family.

Today Raley went into surgery at 6:28. However Riley's surgery was over 8 hours.
With the surgery finally complete, Riley's vitals are very strong, stronger than the doctors thought they would be. She is skipping Intensive Care and is staying in the Intermediate zone. She was able to respond to the doctors very shortly after surgery and her strength surprised them. That's Raley for you.

Here is the shocking part, it turned out to be more complex than was originally thought. The tumor was more intertwined within the brain than the scan's showed. Doctors removed a large portion of it, but ended up leaving some that was too entangled for fear of damaging her motor skills. There is a good chance the tumor will end up being cancerous, based on the tissue and nature of it. The pathology report in a couple of days will indicate the next course of actions.

In the meantime PRAY, PRAY, and PRAY some more! This is going to be a long fight for Raley and she is in dire need of your prayers!

And maybe squeeze one in for everyone that loves Raley, as we are experience change in our own hearts, we are processing this unexpected change and could use some prayers too!