Hooray for Bailey!!!

I am overwhelmed with delight to see my friend Bailey won nationals yesterday!!! She has worked for many, MANY years to accomplish this feat. I am thrilled to have been able to share in this amazing triumph of hers. Yet, on the brink of this incredible victory, immense gratitude and sadness fill my heart.

For over four years, Bailey's parents have fought through various battles with cancer. In March, her father became ill again. He fought through each day, lending his humor to brighten his deteriorating health. Two weeks ago, her father made the difficult choice to enter hospice. On November 19, his family and friends gathered around him for a prayer service. About 30 minutes after the service ended, Bailey's father entered into eternity.

Now, in the midst of their grief, it was time to leave for nationals. Earlier in the year, Bailey competed and won state, which qualified her to go on to compete at nationals. Just three days after Bailey's father passed away, it was time to travel across the country to compete at nationals. (Here is where I start weeping. God allowed Bailey's dad to give her comfort and encouragement up until the time of nationals. He was too ill to travel with his daughter to nationals. God graciously allowed her father to pass away before competition began. In this way, Bailey's dad was able to see her compete from the front row of the balcony. He was able to see her every step of the way during nationals.)

Now, as the family returns home, I can only imagine the tremendous swing of emotions. I keep hearing Psalm 30:5 in my head, "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." I pray despite these difficult times, the family is able to find great joy and happiness in Bailey's incredible win. May the Lord comfort Bailey and her family and friends as they mourn the loss of such a dear man. "Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with you all" (2 Thessalonians 3:16).

The memorial service for Bailey's dad will be on December 3. Please keep her and her family in your thoughts and prayers this week.