We lived across the street from other and were inseparable; riding our bikes all over the neighborhood, playing kickball, setting up lemonade stands and sharing all of our adventures together.
Although we attended different schools and my family moved across town, we remained friends and our friendship grew stronger as we grew older. The roots were firm and the branches continued to grow, and just like a tree the seasons of our lives changed and shaped us. We planned and celebrated our marriages, and mourned the loss of Kim's mom. Soon, we were pregnant together with our first two children . Kim had girls and I had the boys. When my marriage fell apart, she was the first person I called and when I had a new beginning with a new marriage she drove eight hours, eight months pregnant with her two young daughters to be in the wedding.
Years passed, our children grew and once again the storm started to gain strength. My dad passed away, Kim was there days later right by my side. In the car driving from the church to the graveside, her husband called to tell her he was serving her with divorce papers. We cried together, we got out of the car, and we buried my dad. A month later Kim was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was my turn to stabilize the tree, to be the stronger branch.
In May of 2015 she had her first mastectomy and we had a hospital slumber party. Radiation and chemo followed, which she fought through with grace as a single woman without the support of a husband. I saw her faith really starting to grow.
In between chemo, radiation, work and raising our kids we took time to recharge at our happy place, the beach.
Life in an apartment was different and as she adjusted to that she enrolled in school in an intensive two year program. As part of her treatment plan surgeries were scheduled for December of 2017 to allow her time to heal over her school holiday break. Then, through a paperwork mishap, her insurance canceled, which was definitely stressful. But, it was part of God’s plan and He showed up BIG and led her to a new group of amazing doctors.
Just when she got into a routine with school after all of her treatments were completed, Hurricane Harvey hit Kingwood, Texas. Kim was alone riding out the storm and was evacuated by the Coast Guard and a dump truck taking only her dog and purse. So, cancer, a move, divorce, surgery, school ( are you following me, five major life changes) and now a natural disaster, a real storm.
Have you read the Book of Job? It’s a small but powerful book of the Bible. Job was a wealthy man and a just, righteous man. Satan told God Job was only noble because he had been blessed by God and said he worked not be just without God’s blessings. So, Job was tested. In one day he lost his children, his servants and his livestock. Job still praised God. “Naked I came from my mother’s womb and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” Job 121:22
The next day his body was inflicted with sores. His wife says to him, “Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die. “ He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” Job continued to praise God through the trials and his wealth was restored and he had more children. “He preforms wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted.” Job 9:10
Kim, like Job has experienced great loss but through it all she praised God. Today she went home from the hospital after second prophylactic mastectomy followed by bilateral reconstruction with a DIEP flap. along with some other major things. I spent four days with her in the hospital and never once did she feel sorry for herself, or complain. Her body was traumatized but her spirit was strong and unwavering.
I have no doubt God has great plans for Kim's life and look forward to watching it unfold by her side, cheering her forward. When one branch is weak, the other offers support. Through the changing seasons the tree only grows stronger.
Grace and Peace,
Misty
