My sister-in-law emailed the following to me this morning:

Late last night, one of my closest friend’s daughters was diagnosed with Leukemia. Jake and Kelly’s oldest daughter, Ashlyn, has been just a little off for a few weeks. Jake wanted Kelly to take her to the pediatrician and I encouraged her to ask for a complete blood work up. Foolishly, on my part, thinking that it might reveal a vitamin deficiency or anemia or something. The family will get more information today about the nature of the illness (form) and what to expect in the coming days. Ashlyn has been admitted to the hospital and will remain there for several days.

Please pray for strength for their family, especially Jake and Kelly, and for God’s hand in healing Ashlyn and making her more comfortable.

• My mom called this morning to tell me that my grandmother is in the hospital. She’s been feeling poorly since this summer, and she’s had a series of small strokes recently. I don’t know yet exactly what happened, but she was taken to the emergency room at a hospital about an hour away from home. She had an aneurysm in her aorta, and she’s going to be staying in the hospital tonight in a “heart tent.” I don’t know what that means.
• Some of our good friends in Missouri lost their little girl last night after she was born premature yesterday morning. They are such good, loving people, and my heart is breaking for them. Please pray for peace for them.