Deb and Ella

The woman in this picture was my very, very best friend when I was in elementary school. I practically lived with her and her family. Because all my siblings were so much older than me, she was my playmate. I can't tell you how much time I spent at her house - particularly in the summer. As unfortunate as it is, we drifted and are no longer best friends. We haven't been for a very long time. In fact, she wasn't even at my wedding.

But there are some people and some relationships that even through the separation of time and distance we cannot forget. For both Debbie (she now goes by Deb, but old habits die hard) and me, I believe that our childhood friendship is one of those relationships. After all, Debbie was, at least for a few years, one of the most important people in my life.

So, it was heartbreaking to receive the news that the little girl in the picture next to Debbie (her stepdaughter) has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. In the last month, Little Ella has had a large tumor removed surgically from her brain, and subsequently had two follow up brain surgeries to relieve pooling blood. This beautiful little girl is now in a coma. Her story can be found on a website put together by Debbie: Hope & Love for Ella.

I hope you all will visit the website, lend your support, and keep this sweet little girl and all those who love her in your prayers.

** I know some of you were already aware of this. A tremendous "thank you" goes out to Roxy for spreading the word.