year 26.

i will always remember my 26th birthday. its is not your typical celebratory day. however, we did celebrate just different then what i was thinking. 

the day before my birthday, april 8, was my dad's surgery to remove his malignant tumor in his adrenal gland. we all arrived at the hospital around 11am. we gathered in the room with dad as we awaited the doctors and nurses to take him back for surgery to begin at 1pm.

we had a sweet time of fellowship as a family. we read many cards and letters filled with prayers and words of encouragement written by students from auburn university. we were visited by precious family and friends that brought smiles, laughter, and strength as we were facing the unknown with my dad. 

the hundreds of letters written by students from auburn...

soon after (around 1:30pm), dad was taken down the hall for surgery. as my mom, sisters, and i went to the waiting room, there were about 15 other people there to wait with us. and little did i know, both of my sisters brought a cake and cupcakes to celebrate my birthday. i'll be honest, i didn't expect that at all, but i am so grateful for it. it was the very thing to change the mood of being at the hospital. for the next 3hrs we sat with about 20-25 people (coming & going). we laughed, shared stories, talked about life, and prayed together. it was good for each of our spirits and hearts!  

the yummy cake & cupcakes my beautiful sisters made me

fast forward to the next day...april 9...we arrived at the hospital first thing in the morning to see dad. he managed to make it through the night without any major complications. he had been dealing with nausea and pain. however, he was doing much better and could carry on a conversation with each of us. we were thrilled to see him! so there in his room we made ourselves comfortable knowing it may be a long day. 

dad talking to my sister JJ on the phone...

we had a couple of family friends stop by. 

it lifted dad's spirits to be able to visit with some of his buddies.

(picture below is with his college roommate) 

and then to our surprise and expectations, dad was discharge at 2pm!! that was probably the best gift to receive on my birthday. celebrating life with my daddy. celebrating a successful surgery. and celebrating the Lord in how He continues to show us that He is in this and for us! that He is exalting Himself through every situation! 

dad and me on my birthday!

once we all walked out of the hospital doors we got in our separate cars and headed back home. usually when someone in my family has a birthday we all arrange to go out to dinner together. obviously we had to put a rain-check on dinner plans because of dad; however, my friend jenn came down to hang out with me and my sister's family. we cooked out and enjoyed the beautiful weather. 

i have come to realize every year is different when my birthday rolls around. i never know what i will be doing or where i will be or who i will be with. but when it all comes down to it, all i would want for my birthday is to be with those i love! 

thank you to those who sent me cards, text messages, facebook messages, or left me a voice mail. i cherish each one so much! i am excited about what this 26th year of my life looks like. God continues to blow me away at His goodness and faithfulness. 

i lift His Name up and honor Him for all that He has done! 

He is my praise!

joy

*by the way...dad is doing good. healing and regaining strength. we see the doctor tomorrow morning for post-op consultation! we give thanks to the Giver of Life and continue to look to Him for wisdom!