There is so much to say that I can’t say it all. I feel like I have no words... but at the same time, I have 100,000 million things to say about Brittany. I have not one single thought or word that is negative, only happy, loving, and joyful, just as she was. I saw her last week and we had such a good visit and conversation. We had some serious talk, but we also had some really good laughs...as always. I’ve never been so impacted by a single person in my entire life. Besides being awkward and goofy, what we had most in common and connected over was that we both are positive and eternal optimists.

On that note, I will not say anything about the pain of this grief, but only of the blessing that she was to me and everyone she crossed paths with. Thanks to our friendship, I’ve gained the love for fitness and understanding of what a gift it is to challenge my body and do hard things. I’ve gained the gratitude of life and health because honestly being young like we are we tend to think we are invincible. She taught us all that no matter what’s going on we are in control of how we react and choose to move forward. We can either feel sad and sorry for ourselves or we can put our foot down and say NOT TODAY SATAN! You can either feel crummy at home or go feel crummy and climb a mountain while experiencing God’s gift of each day in the midst of your struggles.

She was honest, pure, real, and didn’t sugar coat any crud for social media. Cancer SUCKS and we need more answers...EFF CANCER! We also need to live like Britt with unconditional love, compassion, and strength like she did. We NEED GOD, we must put our absolute faith in him and let him carry our burdens. We will never ever understand why or how God uses the evil things that the devil created to positively impact others.

God gave us Britt, she was and is a gift to us all. Most of us will never live with as much purpose in life as she did in the short time she was here on this earth. I’m so thankful for her, and the blessing that she has been. I’m sending so much love and prayers to all of her family and friends. She has changed our lives forever and we will absolutely live every day with purpose & faith in God. We all know her beautiful soul is in heaven without a doubt. Next time I see you, Britt, I’m gonna give you a big ‘ole hug, no more air hugs.

You will never be prepared for grieving. There is no right or wrong way of doing it. I do want to say that Brittany left behind a legacy and a BIG part of that is that she wanted people to be AWARE of the symptoms of ovarian cancer!

There is NO scan for Ovarian Cancer, but we are fighting to get more answers. Your annual pap does NOT detect Ovarian Cancer. You have to know your body and take action. Go to the doctor if these symptoms go on for more than a week:

•pain in the abdomen or pelvis

•bloating, change in bowel habits, indigestion, or nausea

•abdominal fullness, fluid in the abdomen, or lump in the abdomen

•fatigue or loss of appetite

•weight loss

I also want to say that if you have a friend or family member fighting cancer, give them all of your love. Let them be angry, happy, or sad. Let them be tough or hold them up in prayer when they are weak. Love on and encourage their family because they need that too. And for the love of God do not try to relate!!!!!!! Do not tell them you understand. Say, “I don’t know how you feel, but I love you and I am here for you.” “I am angry for you because this sucks and it’s unfair, but you are doing amazing with what you can control.”

Don’t ask how you can help...just do things...

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Send them funny texts with inappropriate jokes or gifs.

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Have non-cancer-related conversations. Don’t ask how are you feeling, but say how is your day going?

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Love, love, love them with all that you have.

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Just be there.

Cherub

November 29 at 5:12 PM