Another Angel

We cried today, tears of immeasurable sadness, as our community stood beside Chad and Jessica McNellie as they said goodbye to their precious Ella, and while we cried, all the angels in heaven cried too, tears of joy, as God welcomed another angel Home.

My heart is broken for this amazing family. I have felt the gut-wrenching fear that a parent feels when faced with the possibility of a future without their child, and I can only imagine the grief and emptiness Ella's family must feel now that every parent's worst nightmare has become reality. No parent should have to travel the path Chad and Jess are facing, and I feel helpless knowing that all we can do is stand beside them as their world is forever changed.

Ella was a beautiful girl, with the most amazing smile I have ever seen, and an unbreakable spirit. She fought cancer, a terrifying adversary for most adults, with a courage beyond her years, and no matter how hard cancer fought back, she never gave up. In 7 short years, Ella taught us lessons that we will never forget about what is truly important in life, and we are all changed because she was here.

For the past few months it has been my fervent prayer that God would work a miracle and cure Ella's cancer. Selfishly, I prayed that he would do this here on earth, so that we could continue basking in the incredible light that was "Ella", but He had other plans. As we stood next to Ella's family and friends today, I realized that while it might not be the miracle I had been asking for, God DID work a miracle...Ella's cancer is no more. Her pain is gone. That beautiful little girl is enveloped in God's loving arms and she will never again know what it is to suffer. Because of Ella, hundreds of people, many complete strangers, will never be the same. Her story and her incredible spirit have made them better. Our human minds cannot understand why God chose to call her Home so young, but I rejoice knowing that Ella is finally free of the burden of cancer and she has an eternity in heaven to make up for all the things cancer took from her here on earth.

Christmas is just around the corner. For most of us, it is a time of wonder and happiness. As you attend church, open presents, and enjoy Christmas dinner with family and friends, take a moment to remember the McNellies and others who are struggling with their own loss. Pray that God will ease their burdens and bring them comfort, carrying them when they are too weak to go on.