Photo courtesy Nate Dunford Photography

February 25, 1974~July 3, 2010

Amy is a 36 year old mother of 6.

On April 15th, 2010, she was diagnosed with a rare and terminal cancer: Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma.

Surrounded by her family and friends, she is determined to face her future with faith, hope, courage and love.


Surrounded by her family, and with Gary by her side, Amy passed away in the early morning hours of July 3rd, 2010. Just a short 2 1/2 months after being diagnosed with cancer.

Monday, May 24, 2010

Pray, Pray, Pray

Hello Friends,

Tonight as I lay here in my bed my thoughts turn to one of the most important principles in my life, Prayer. Prayer has always been such an important part of my life. As long as I can remember, I have had a strong testimony of the power of prayer. Throughout my life I have received answeres to so many prayers. I have received strength, comfort and guidance through prayer. And my testimony has been strengthened through prayer. I love to pray and I share with you my advice to pray and pray often. Develop a habit of prayer. Learn to love to pray and learn through experience the value of prayer. Pray for everything and never stop praying. Pray, pray, pray... HE will never tire of hearing your prayers.

As you might imagine, as I lay here, frustrated that I am unable to do so many of the things that I used to do, I have spent many, many, many hours in prayer. Each and every day I pray for so many things. I pray for all those who have been so good to us that they may be blessed. I pray for people who are struggling or ill that they may receive strength and health. I pray for my children that they will be able to deal with what they are having to go through and to have the strength to carry on through life without me. I pray that they will be able to make good choices in life. I pray that my husband will have the strength to take care of me and lift me and that his back will be strong. I pray that he will have the strength to carry on and deal with the pain of loosing me and that his faith will not fail. I pray for my mother and my brothers and sisters that they may have the strength to endure through their trials. I pray for those family members who have struggled in various ways throughout their lives that they may be able to turn their hearts to their Heavenly Father and allow him to strengthen them and lead and guide them. There are so many things that I pray for for all of you each and every day.

I also however, pray for myself. I pray for my pain that it may be lessened or that I may have the strength to endure it. I pray that I may have more time to spend with my family. I pray for the strength to be able to walk again and to be more independent. I pray for comfort when everything seems too much to bear. I pray that my fears and concerns will be lessened and that I may find comfort in knowing that everything will be okay. Many times I pray just to have the strength to get through just another day. But most of all I pray that I may have the strength and faith to accept the will of my Heavenly Father and submit myself to it. I also pray constantly to my Heavenly Father and thank Him for all the blessings in my life. I thank Him for my husband and children and their love, I thank him for the gospel and my testimony. I thank him for this beautiful world we live in and I thank him for my understanding of the gospel and that families can be together forever.

As part of my testimony of prayer, I know that our Heavenly Father hears and answers all of our prayers, even though sometimes the answer is no, and many times the answer only comes after the trial of our faith. I know that our Heavenly Father Loves us and that he knows what is best for us. Though I don't always know his purposes, I know that his will is right. I also know that sometimes there are things that we need to learn or refining that must take place in our lives that can only happen by being allowed to pass through trials and difficulties in our lives. Sometimes there are things that we have to learn that we may not even understand and many times we simply need to show that we have the faith and courage to persevere even when the answers to our prayers are not what we want. This life is a test, we are not here to become spoiled by having everything we desire as long as we live righteously. We are here to prove that we will do what is right and endure regardless of what is given to us or heaped upon us... but we are not alone. He is as close as a prayer. and even though we may not always have our trials removed from us, He will give us the strength or send us angels to help us through our trials. Many of you have been those angels who have been sent to us to help us through our trials, and I thank my Heavenly Father for you each and every day. May God Bless each of you.

I love you all
Love, Amy

12 comments:

  1. Thanks! I needed that. I admire you and pray for you. Thank you for being the angel in my life today. Thank you for writing exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you for being so strong and such a great example. You are strong! Admired and loved by many...many people that you don't even know. Thank you! *Prayer* Hugs*

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  2. You are an amazing person Amy. We've never met, but you have inspired and lifted me spirit in so many ways. Thank you for sharing your story, your love, and your advice. You may never know how many people you have touched or how much your strength has strengthened others. You and your precious family will be in my prayers!

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  3. Amy...I am amazed at your strength in the midst of this trial in your life. You are an example to me. You have always been my teacher. From the time you were 4 years old in my Primary Class, throught Young Women's to the presence. I pray that you will be blessed beyond measure and that you and your family can endure the suffering and pain you are going through. I love you, Amy.
    Ann

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  4. Amy,
    That's a beautiful testimony of prayer. You are such an inspiration to so many, even as you struggle with your own health and trials. You always think of others, no matter what! I know that there are so many prayers being offered in your behalf...and I know that you and Gary can feel that. Prayer is mighty!!!
    I miss you!!!! And I love you bunches and bunches!!!

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  5. Oh Amy, you are my angel that I have prayed for. I have prayed for strength to help me be okay with seeing a friend go through this and you are that Angel who has helped me through this. We continue to pray for you daily, although prayers were not answered the way we all thought they should...they were answered, we have seen many, many miracles through you being sick Amy and it has been a blessing for us all that we all needed. I treasure your words of inpiration to everyone, it means so much for you to share with us your thoughts and feelings. There are days I wonder how you even smile, but you do! I love you so so much. Thank you again for teaching us all.

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  6. Just beautiful. Praying for you and your family. XO

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  7. You have always been a good pray-er and you have been an answer to many prayers, too! We could all add a few prayers in our daily lives.

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  8. Amy,
    My heart breaks when I think about all you and your family are going through, I cry my eyes out when I read your blog, and everything you say teaches me so much and touches my heart. I thank you so much for your strength and your courage, and sharing your trial with us all, and helping us all learn from you.
    love you Amy! You are amazing.

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  9. Thank you so much for sharing this trial with our community. What an inspiration and example of faith you are to us all. Your children will ALWAYS have that to look. You are in our prayers. May Our Heavenly Father bless and keep you always.

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  10. Wow, you are amazing! Thank you for sharing your Faith, and testimony. It's what I needed to hear today. I am praying for you and your family. I have cancer myself and am fighting, you are NOT alone. May angels surround you with love, may you find the comfort you seek, may you have God by your side, may you KNOW there is always hope, and miracles happen everyday, you are one.

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  11. Amy...You might not remember me but my name is Natalie, I am a cast member at the Disneyland resort and I met you tonight in Adventureland!! You are a beautiful women and I know that the Lord has great plans for you!!! You are loved, I can see that. Keep up the fight!!! You have touched my heart!! Jesus Loves You. And you and your family will always be in my PRAYERS!!!!

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  12. Amy,

    I just thought I'd take a minute and check your blog. I had no idea how much doing so would impact me.
    Thank you for your beautiful testimony. Your words are truly inspired and those of someone who has lived and continues to live close to the spirit. Oh that we could all live this way each and every day of our lives.
    I pray for you every day, but I can see that you are the answer and have been the answer to so many people's prayers. It is so apparent that God is with you, guiding your thoughts and giving you inspiration so that you can continue to do what you do best, bless other's lives.
    Thank you for touching my spirit this day and helping me feel my Heavenly Father's love for me. You amaze me.
    Love,
    Kristen Dunford

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Thanks for commenting! Amy is truly uplifted by all the words of love and encouragement you share.