Day 328-Marina

Sunday, April 19th


Hey guys,

      I've got to be honest, this is probably going to be one of my more emotional posts, so get ready. In my life, for as long as I can remember, Marina has been there. Marina wasn't just a family friend, she wasn't just Graham's friend, she wasn't even just MY friend, she is like my 2nd older sister. Our families grew up spending time together, they lived just 3 blocks away, and had 2 girls, the same ages as Graham and Caroline. We spent every Christmas and New Years Eve together, we've had countless barbecues and birthday parties, we've had camping trips and sleep overs, we've played HUNDREDS of games of Spaceopoly, we've had secrets and stories, we've had countless home video footage, and above all, we've just had each other. When we were little, it was always Caroline and Marina's older sister Adrianna, and then Graham and Marina, and I would just sort of tag along behind them, but as we got older, Marina and I became closer. When she left for college, none of us had any idea what was in store for us in the next few months, we only knew that we wouldn't live 3 blocks away from each other anymore, and that was emotional enough! When Graham was in the hospital, we all gathered around his bed, but there was a hole that could only be filled by Marina. Because Marina was already having a hard time in her freshman year, Aunt Gina decided that it would be better to fly down there and tell her in person what was going on, and bring her back for the funeral. Because of this, literally the first time I saw Marina in 6 months was at the funeral, when we saw each other, we both just broke down and ran towards each other. As we sat there crying, it dawned on me, Caroline and I were NOT the only sisters that Graham had had, and they were grieving their brother just as much as we were. As two years passed, we grew even closer, and savored every moment we had together.

     Early this week, I got news that Marina, who is studying overseas in Ecuador not only is being treated for strep throat, but now she has mono as well. This week has been so hard, she has been constantly on my mind, and I wish more than anything that I could go see her and comfort her. I already was missing her tons, but this week has just put a new spin on things, it breaks my heart to know that she is really, REALLY struggling right now, and there's not much I can do other than pray. It's bad enough to have mono, but to have mono in a foreign country with 2 months left before coming home? I can't even imagine. With all the crap this girl has been through, it really doesn't seem fair, but that's life sometimes, unfortunately. It has been hard for me this week, because I have to just let go and trust that God will have his way in this crappy situation, I just have to pray. I would so appreciate your prayers for Marina, whether you know her or not, she needs it. Please pray for peace for not only her family, but also for our family as she is overseas, pray for wisdom for the doctors and nurses treating her, pray for comfort and peace for her, and above all, just pray for healing. Thanks so much!

<3 Always,
Rose