our sweet deana

I received an e-mail update from Jack Reynolds today, that his beautiful wife Deana, passed away earlier this afternoon. Although I have always held hope that Deana would make a miraculous recovery, the past few updates that Jack had posted on their CaringBridge website, made me realize that the complications associated with Deana's cancer, were terminal.

It might sound odd, but my first reaction when I read Jack's words were relief. The past few months have been so difficult for Deana. In addition to the unrelenting chemotherapy, she has had pneumonia three times, sepsis, and just last week, had to begin dialysis because her kidneys were shutting down. Her mouth was covered in sores. Her body ached.

Today, initially, there was was relief that she is no longer suffering.

But now, there is sadness.

Terrible sadness.

It was less than a year ago that Deana was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer. It was less than a year ago that she was put in a hospital and told that she had a 90% chance of survival. It was just seven months ago, that we received the most inspiring Christmas card I had ever laid my eyes on.

Ever since Deana was diagnosed with Burkitt's Lymphoma in August of 2008, her husband - her two little boys - and her parents, have remained devoted to her recovery.

They have remained devoted to her.

One of the most amazing things that I have witnessed in this past year - was the incredible love between Jack and Deana. The unwavering devotion that Jack had for his wife, was so transparent in all of his posts about her. Although doctors predicted that Deana could not be saved, Jack went to the ends of the earth trying to prove them wrong. And Deana's parents were there - every step of the way, doing whatever they could to support their daughter.

In today's post on CaringBridge, Jack shared the following lessons that he has learned in Deana's triumphant ascension to Heaven. I hope that any one who is reading this, will take Jack's lessons to heart:

1. Have blood or platelets? Donate them. There is no greater gift you can give nother human, but a chance at life.

2. Hug your family. Do it often and for no reason at all. You will all feel better.

3. Family and friends are everything. With them at your side, ALL things are possible.

4. Never, ever quit. No matter what, rise to the occassion. It's what makes life worth living.

Tonight, my heart is heavy that Deana's body is gone. My heart is heavy that Zane and Zachary will never feel their mother's loving arms around them again - that Jack will not be able to hold his beautiful bride's hand - and that Bruce and Martha will not see the light dancing in their beloved daughter's eyes.

But I find solace in the fact that Deana is no longer in pain and the knowledge that her spirit will live on. It is a well known fact that energy can neither be created nor destroyed.

Just as surely as the sun will rise tomorrow, Deana's spirit will always live on.

I love you, girl.