First, I want to thank everyone that’s reached out with kindness and prayers over the last 24 hours. It’s been a rough couple of days at the Varland house and it’s meant a lot to know that so many people are there for Toby and me.

Since I’ve had such an amazing response, I wanted to let everyone know what was going on… To give you the short version, I went into the ER last night with chest pain. Thankfully, it doesn’t seem to be anything related to my heart or lungs. They did however find that I have several enlarged lymph nodes. At this point, what I’ve heard from various doctors and nurses is that enlarged lymph nodes could mean a number of things ranging from a virus to cancer (that is most likely treatable).

I have to admit that I’m pretty scared. Watching loved ones deal with cancer has been incredibly hard and I’m praying that it’s not what I’m up against. I have to remember that maybe this is nothing. But if God has chosen to throw us a curveball in the midst of all his incredible blessings, I’ll take it. I’ll take whatever God chooses to give me because he knows better. My favorite bible verse has always been Jeremiah 29:11-14. “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for your welfare and not for woe, plans to give you a future and hope. When you call to me, when you come and pray to me, I will listen. If you seek me, you will find me. Yes, if you search for me with all your heart, you will find me with you,’ says the Lord.”

In the spirit of hope, trust, and acceptance of what the next day or week or month or year will bring, I’m asking for your prayers. It’s all I can do right now – pray, count my blessings, and take things one day at a time…

Thanks again for all of your kind words.
- Annie