Maryah Therese

I don't even know where to start...the photograph below is of two very amazing women, Maryah and her beautiful mother Rachel. You can read all about Maryah's battle at: www.caringbridge.org/mn/maryah. I could never tell it as eloquently as Maryah and her parents have already done.

What I think you should all know is that she is the bravest girl that I've ever met. She faced life, cancer and eventually death with more courage than I've ever seen in anyone. She has forever changed my life and the lives of everyone who ever knew her.

Maryah taught me that each day is truly a gift. She has helped me to appreciate my children even on the days where I struggle as a mom. She has helped my daughters to understand how precious the relationship is that they share. She has taught everyone to just love life and dance like no one is watching!

Last year on Maryah's 15th birthday, the city of Saint Paul declared it Maryah Tift day. You can't see in this photograph, but these are Team Maryah shirts. I will have you know that we will ALWAYS be on Team Maryah. I will do my very best to ensure that her legacy lives on in the hearts of our family. Her life may have ended this year, just one week past her 16th birthday, but her memory will live on forever not only in our hearts but also in the stories that people will have to tell of her very spirited life! She had a smile that could warm the coldest of heart and eyes, oh those eyes...I can't even explain them. Bright! They were so bright and full of life!

I ask that all of you who read this will pray for healing for her family. I can't imagine the pain and anguish of losing a child, sister, friend at this stage of life. As her Mama said, it will truly take the strength of God to help them heal. And we know that where two or more are gathered to pray, God is there! God places us on this earth to do His will. Maryah, without a shadow of a doubt, did what God intended for her to do.

We love you precious MTT and will be here for your family now as they grieve. We will be here to hug them and give them our shoulders on which to cry.

***FROG (Forever Rely On God)***