Monday, March 1, 2010

140 Characters Can Make You Think

Image from www.laylagrace.org

It's no secret that I am on twitter. Facebook is just not my thing, and as with every working woman, life seems to go by so fast. In the past two months I have been drawn to the story of an angel on earth and her amazingly strong family: Layla Grace. I mean look at this little princess, how could you not fall in love with those eyes?

I cannot even remember how I found @laylagrace on twitter, but I can tell you reading her story has made me STOP and THINK. Layla is a 2 year old girl nearing the end of her fight with neuroblastoma. She will not win her battle with this aggressive cancer on earth, her victory will come when she is at peace with her Lord, but her story and bright smile I find constantly on my mind. No child should have to endure such pain and no parent should have to bury their child. It is just not fair!

Her story has also made me angry, angry that far too many families are dealing with childhood cancers. There are little angels all around us, fighting for their lives and I challenge ALL of you to STOP and read her story. When you are finished I think, or I should say I hope, it changes your life too.

In the past two weeks since Layla has been home with her parents receiving care from Hospice I find myself checking twitter constantly for updates on her health. In a world where we all seem to be in a rush Layla has made me stop....to be angry that children are faced with cancer, to think about what I do to help others and to be grateful.

It seems that a mess made by Mini K now makes me grateful, her tantrums and laughter both bring me joy and making her lunch is something I look forward to because it is a new day. Little Layla has taught me to be calm, to be grateful and to know that we must do all we can to live our lives with purpose. These children are the littlest victims and we have to be their voice.

I recognize that twitter will not cure illness, but it can make you STOP and think. Layla's fight may be nearing it's end, but we can all take her spirit and carry it forward...after all if only took 140 characters to change my mind.

4 comments:

Sandra said...

I agree. I have checked on her regularly also. I keep praying that she will be a miracle. That little face is just so precious and innocent. Heartbreaking. xoxo

~Mrs. Guru~ said...

She is so precious. I am praying for her and her family.

Anonymous said...

I came across Layla's website from Twitter (I think a retweet from you - didn't realize you had a blog). Anyway, since finding her blog over Valentine's weekend, I have been reading it, as well as a follower on Twitter. It is a heartbreaking story & like you, it has changed how I react to certain behaviors by my sometimes trying 5 year old. I can't imagine what Layla's family is going through - they truly inspire me to cherish all the good I have in my life - as life is oh so precious.

AnneG said...

Thanks for sharing the link to Layla Grace's twitter page. I read alot of the recent posts and it was very moving. What a sweet, sweet little girl and how brave are her parents. I will never understand why these things happen to children but I do believe they are angels when they pass and maybe God just wanted them back with him. Bless her and her family.