Day 97 of...98 Days...The night before

This is the night before the close of the fund-raising campaign where we are have been working hard to raise donations for research to find cure of blood cancer.  It seems fitting to wrap this blog up tonight with Tressa.  Her wonderful family allowed me the gift of having her as my honoree and I will never forget how even though I never had the pleasure of meeting her she has touched my life in so many ways.

As I have read her journal so many times before it somehow seems fitting to share the last couple of days when Tressa was now home saying goodbye to family and friends. The Leukemia over took her and there was not anything more anyone could do because there just wasn't a cure. She would be taken from her family and loved ones permanently to a place where she would no longer feel pain and finally become free of blood cancer.

It was December nearing the holidays and since they arrived home with Tressa their house had been filled with family, and Tressa’s precious friends. One evening their front yard was filled with carolers from their church. Their stomachs were filled with the wonderful food that was sent from their church family. And their hearts were filled with the love and comfort.

The next day Tressa’s smile was more radiant than it has been in a long time, Tressa seemed to look around the room eyeing all of her close friends and family, and beaming from ear to ear. Tressa had a calmness and comfort demeanor that her family was so thankful for.

In the days that followed Tressa continued fighting a cough, fever and vomiting. But her family and friends continued to pile in first in the morning until the late evening hours to spend their last hours with Tressa.

Then the following day Tressa had passed away.  It was four days before Christmas. The parents are not sure why they were all chosen for this journey but their faith has them believe one day it will be made clear.

Tressa was so very brave and even at the end of her life showed no fear and I am told all who knew Tressa believe in the following "Earth will be at a loss and Heaven will never be the same”. Lookout Heaven...

The fund-raising continues on and with your help you can help fund research and find a cure please spread the word and make a donation.  www.lls.org