To the Editor:

Grace is such a precious word to our family now days.

Last November, my sister Marianne Pugh Jackson was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer. Sadly, by the time the diagnosis was made it had already spread to other places in her body.

Tragedy happens in many of our lives at one time or another. Cancer is no exception. It’s horrible, though. It hurts, and you never know from one moment to the next what will be thrown at you. Virtually, you are dealt a Pandora’s box.

Prayers and acts of kindness mean so much. They lift our spirits and give us strength to press on. We become acutely aware that God is in control and His wonderful grace has taken over. The ever presence of darkness suddenly turns to light and you have renewed strength. “He restoreth my soul.”

Walgreen’s in Franklin, Va., where Marianne was an employee, has been so wonderful. Its management, pharmacy staff, floor staff and beloved customers have all pulled together and given so generously. Their love and support have meant so much to Marianne. She sings their praises daily. If Heaven is to be the end result of this period in her life, you can best believe she’ll be selling you at those pearly gates with the same fervor she sold those candy bars at the front counter.

Ironically, this beautiful human life is being attacked by tragedy, but then again, this tragedy is being attacked by beautiful human lives. We humbly thank you.

Our hearts want to sing, “This is her story, This is her song, Praising her Savior all the day long.”

Kathleen Aydlett
Camden, N.C.