It’s with such a heavy heart that I write this post. My dear friend Emily, the gorgeous red-headed mermaid from The Freckled Fox, is going through something unimaginable. She has five little ones under the age of six and her husband Martin was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma cancer last year. He has put up an amazing fight and together they have tried everything they can to beat it. Unfortunately the cancer has just been too aggressive and they’re preparing to say goodbye to their sweet dad.
I met Emily at ALT a few years ago now and I’ve been so lucky to work with her on a couple different projects, one of the most recent was our trip to LA back in February. I feel so connected to her because we’re both bloggers, we’re both known for our hair tutorials and the most important, we’re both young moms with a handful of little kids. I’ve always looked up to her as a mother; she’s inspired me time and time again to keep going and to see the joy in the simple moments. I’ve really struggled with her story because it hits so close to home. I lean on Brian for everything, and not just to help with the kids. He’s my rock. My best friend. The person who encourages me when I’m down and he gives me faith when I’m lacking it. I can’t imagine going through this life without him and while I know they’ll be together again, it doesn’t make living without him any easier.
One thing about Emily is that she has this unique gift to find the silver linings. She’s dealing with these challenges with such grace and grit and I know that the Lord is going to work miracles through her. He already has. I don’t believe the Lord would allow this much pain without an incredible plan. I know she’s going to be taken care of – that angels are lifting her and will continue to watch over her sweet family.
“I could feel my heart getting heavier with every word of her explanation. Then she took a deep breath and said those words so apologetically, “I mean we’re talking a few weeks here, maybe.” I can’t even explain what that felt like. All I know is that I was holding his warm hand, and I saw our five little babies in my mind, and I knew that no matter what happened to Marty that we would all be together. That our family was forever, and that everything would be OK, no matter what.”
If you have a moment, please keep the Meyers in your prayers. You can read their story on her blog at The Freckled Fox or on instagram @thefreckledfox. If you have the means, please consider donating to her fundraiser to help with medical expenses. You can find that here, every penny counts. I think most of all, just be inspired by her story. Let it motivate you to cherish your relationships, to hug those you love just a little tighter and to be grateful for all your beautiful blessings. Their story has the ability to change lives, to bring people closer to Christ and to heal broken spirits. This life is not the end, and there is a beautiful plan in place for each of us. The Lord is mindful of you and he’s mindful of me, and He is certainly mindful of sweet Emily, Martin and her five babies. If you can, please spread their story of faith on your blog, instagram, personal facebook page or share it with your family and friends.
#HopeForMartin. We are rallying behind you Em, praying for you and your family. We love you so much and we’ll be here when you need us.
xoxo
Aww… I’m so sorry. I’ve never even heard of Emily, but your post had been fighting back tears. It was so inspirational. <3 Don't stop doing what you do! Not ever!
What a sweet tribute to your friend, right from the heart. Will certainly keep her and her babies in our prayers for a long time. She is so strong, from your description of her, and she will learn and grow so much as she navigates her new life. But he will be right there to help her through as her angel and the Savior will help heal and comfort her over time. xoxoxoxo
ohh that is so heartbreaking 🙁 Hope he gets well soon!
I love Emily and following her journey is heart breaking and so inspiring.
I’m so sorry to hear about your friend’s husband <3 I'm a young widow, I lost my sweet husband, Daniel this past October due to complications following brain surgery to have a tumor removed. We would have celebrated 5 years of marriage in January, although, we had been together for almost 15 years <3 It's been a tough journey but praise the Lord for His strength, grace, comfort and the amazing peace that I have in knowing that my Daniel is safe in Heaven with Jesus and I'll get to see him again someday. In the meantime, I take things one day at a time, trusting the Lord for all of my needs and thanking Him every day for the amazing man that He allowed me to share life with for a time and the amazing system of support that He has given me, my family, my incredible in-laws and our church family and friends and my co-workers have been amazing, don't know what I would do without them. No one knows how they will handle something like this until it happens to them and it's different for everyone. You may not be able to understand or fathom the pain that you friend is experiencing but you don't have to understand it in order to be there for her, loving her and listening to her and just letting her cry when she needs to. My prayers are with your friend and her family <3 Love, Cheri
Thank you for your sweet comment. I am so sorry for your loss. I too believe you will see him again and that these trials we face here on earth have a purpose. So grateful you have a wonderful support system and that you’re choosing and praying to see the positive side.
This news seriously breaks my heart. Thank you for looking out for sweet Emily. I have been following you both for years and I’m glad she has you to help her through this unfortunate journey.
I have adored Emily and her family for 3 years via the internet. This breaks my heart!!