Anne

On Saturday a family friend passed away. Anne was diagnosed with Stage 4 Melanoma a year and a half ago. She went through several different chemotherapy regimens, biochemotherapy, radiation, cyberknife, and essentially exhausted her options. She fought an amazing fight, and I have been so impressed as I have heard bits and pieces.
I first met Anne through her sister Mary, one of my best friends and pretty much a sister. Over the 14 or 15 years since I have known Mary, I have met several of her family members. When Anne and Ward were newly weds, they came and stayed with me and my siblings while my parents were on vacation. I remember Anne teaching us sign language she had learned from a class, telling us some dating stories, job stories, embarrassing moments, and more.
My heart aches for Ward and his 3 beautiful girls, his family and Anne's family. What a heart wrenching thing to have to endure. But I am reminded of the gift of the Atonement, that a loving Father in Heaven provided for each of us if we will take advantage of it.