I was just a lurker but ...

Please forgive me for not knowing what I'm talking about. But I wanted to share a family with you that I have been reading about and frequently crying and laughing with from one post to the next.

The blog is Hope4Peyton, started when the Mayhew's daughter Peyton, had cancer. I did not know this family existed then. I'm sure Peyton's struggle was hard for the whole family but apparently it had a good outcome and Anissa (Peyton's Mom) decided to shut down Peyton's blog and move on. Recently the blog has been put to good use again by Pete, Peyton's Dad and Anissa's husband as well as father to Rachel and Nathanial. Right now he is more than a husband and a father, he is a partner, an advocate, a fighter, a believer and a cheerleader. He is doing everything possible to keep his family running while the shining star of it - Anissa - is away.

Anissa was only 35 years old on November 17th when she had a stroke. Her 2nd stroke for goodness sakes. Since then her husband, her kids, Anissa's determination and wicked sense of humor have helped keep them moving forward. And now it's almost time for this strong woman to come home.

I do not know this family. I have never even commented on the blog. I think I did see some pictures of Anissa somewhere - taken at BlogHer I'm pretty sure. I recognized her face but didn't know her name or her story. But coming across their story I was so touched, I added Hope4Peyton to my reader and it got to be the first blog I read if there was a post, even when I wasn't reading any other blogs at all. And now that Anissa is so close to coming home the bills are really mounting. I have added a badge to my sidebar if anyone would like to contribute and help the Mayhews take the best care of Anissa possible while she gets her strength back and goes through physical therapy and whatever other therapy someone goes through after a stroke.

And if you are unable to donate anything, this is a a family of great faith. Please remember them in your prayers. I think the worst is over now - but it's an uphill climb to get back to the top. I have no doubt they'll make the climb as a family and I suspect that Anissa will be right out front in no time. I hear she's pretty fierce!

Meet Anissa in her own words, here.