"Leap of Faith and into His Will" by Mary LaFrance

“Living with Cancer…Surviving with God”

September 14, 2012… Dedication of this Book (This date was when I first started writing my book)

This book is dedicated to the memory of a faithful and courageous woman named Eileen M. Roberts. I first met Eileen in September 1974, when I was a sophomore in high school. Within that first year of our meeting, Eileen was diagnosed with breast cancer. My heart was broken because I had already grown to love her very much. As our relationship grew, and I watched her go through this horrific disease, she instilled in me so many things. Strength, courage, faith, a trust in God, and compassion for others which led to me growing into the person I am today. Eileen use to tell me, “God has a purpose and plan for each one of us, even when we don’t always understand His plan.” On more than one occasion she would say to me, “You have the gift of music with your talents and abilities. What is holding you back and keeping you from using them?” My answer was fear, but I knew fear did not come from God. The lack of self confidence played a huge role, but I’ve been learning to use what God has given me, and I know I’ll never be done sitting in God’s classroom until I meet Him face to face. I can only imagine what she would say right now after I’ve completed two music CDS, writing original songs to record, and now I’m writing this book and dedicating it to her. She would probably be speechless in some ways because she was also very humble. I think she would be smiling deep down inside and loving this way to honor her. I will always be forever grateful for the time I spent with Eileen and the way we grew to love each other. When she was called home to be with Jesus on February 8, 1981, I was given the honor and privilege of singing at her funeral. One of her favorite hymns was the song, “Because He Lives.” Jesus is alive and well, and it’s because of Him, that I am a “survivor” and can write my story, “Living with Cancer…Surviving with God.” Thank you Eileen for being a wonderful example of what faith and courage looked like clear to the end, and thank you for loving me just as I am. I look forward to the time when I see your sweet face again, and I can give you a great big hug! Thank you Father in Heaven, for Eileen, and for bringing me through this journey of many blessings. There is not a shadow of doubt that all of this would not be possible without the Lord Jesus Christ. God alone deserves the entire honor, glory and praise for what this book and blog might do to help others…Forever grateful…Mary