This girl right here is my hero. My friend Manda has been fighting cancer for so long, and it’s with a heavy heart that I tell you that her fight is now over. We rejoice that she is now resting in the arms of Jesus, whole and pain free. But my goodness we are going to miss her. She fought the good fight, she finished the race, and she remained faithful. And I can only imagine her Heavenly reception.
Manda first battled and beat cancer at 5 years old. Just weeks after giving birth to her fist child, the cancer came back. At the age of 28, she made the tough decision to amputate her leg and undergo treatment again. And then, 5 years after winning her second battle with cancer, she started fighting it for the third time. And she never stopped. She loved her friends and her family so fiercely, and she never gave up.
She fought hard and long, and the entire time her eyes were FIXED ON JESUS. I was so proud of her throughout her entire fight, and I will always be so proud to have called her a friend. I learned so much from her.
All of us left here on earth are going to miss her more than words can express. This past May we surprised her with a birthday celebration. And it was one of the sweetest (and most hysterical) nights of my life.
We made so many memories.
Memories that I will cling to. Including this little gem on an elevator in a hospital. After a limo ride and dance party. 😉
As her friends, we have been absolutely honored to walk beside her during this journey. And I speak for everybody when I say we were constantly in awe of her.
And although we did everything we could to make Manda’s journey easier, it was Manda that blessed all of us, over and over again. I’m so very thankful for Manda’s friendship and the example that she set for me. Whenever the going gets tough, I will think of Manda….of her fight…and of her incredible faith. This girl was strong, faithful, gentle, loving, and courageous. She was AMAZING, and she taught all of us how to be Manda Strong.
I know so many of you have prayed for Manda over the years, and I would love it if you would continue to pray for Manda’s precious family. Her husband Aaron, her son Aiden, her daughter Miley, her parents Cindy and Ed, her brothers, and all of her other extended family. They so need our prayers right now. (This picture was taken several years ago, but it’s definitely a favorite of mine.)
In addition to praying for the family, all of us who knew her will continue to love on her family and help them as we know she would want us to. Manda, you will forever be in our hearts, and you will forever be an example to me of how to live with unwavering faith in the most difficult of situations. I will be taking a blogging break to spend time with friends and family, and I will return next Monday.
I Love You, Manda! And I am so grateful that because of Jesus, I will get to hug you again. You loved God BIG. And we all loved you BIG. Still do. Always will. #mandastrong #fcforever
Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Shay Shull says
I was crying until I got to the elevator picture and that made me laugh out loud. Oh Sheaffer, you’re right. She did bless us more than we ever blessed her. xo
Susan Jeffries says
Sheaffer I am just so sad for all of you. But what a gift she was to your entire community. And what a blessing it is to know you will be with her again someday. Her babies are blessed to have all of you ladies in their lives. I will be praying for all of you who will be missing Manda so very much.
Erika slaughter says
So thankful I get to call you friend, Sheaffer! Love you!
Elizabeth says
So sorry for your loss. Prayers to you, her family, and her two babies.
Xo
Elizabeth
http://stripesandsolitaires.com
Narci says
Beautiful, friend! Love you!
Heather Bramlett says
Prayers from GA!
So So sorry for your loss!
Heather Bramlett says
Prayers from GA~
So So sorry for your loss!
Nikki says
I’m so very sorry for your loss.
Becky says
.Thank you Sheaffer for sharing Manda’s story on your blog. And for sharing your heart this morning. God will use the beautiful memories you and your friends made with Manda, keeping her close to your heart and knowing that God didn’t heal her earthly body but gave her a new one in Heaven. Completely whole again. Love you sweet friend and will be praying for everyone that loved Manda that God will comfort each heart that is hurting today.
Amy says
My heart goes out to you, your friends that loved Manda and most of all, Manda and her family. She sounds like an amazing woman. Hugs and love to you and yours.
Lauren says
I am so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute to her.
Praying for you all.
Whitney Pegram says
Every post I’ve read about Manda this morning is just beautiful! Thank you for sharing, Sheaffer.
Leah Crouse says
I am so sorry for your loss. What beautiful words for a beautiful friend. Prayers for you and her family!❤️
Christina says
I’m so sorry for the loss of your friend. I’ll continue to pray for her and her family and friends.
Marcia B Compton says
I did not know Manda Personally, but have prayed and be in awe of her since she was first mentioned in your blog. I will continue to pray for her family. She along with you have taught me to put it in God’s hands. He will see me through. Thank you Prayers for Manda’s family
Paula says
Beautiful tribute to what sounds like an amazing child of God, wife mother & friend! So sorry! Manda’s family is in my prayers!
Melissa D. says
I don’t know your friend, yet through you sharing her life she has impacted me. Her faith over fear and her strength what an amazing example for those left behind. I know her family and friends would rather have her here on earth healthy but she is fully healed with our heavenly Father. I keep thinking of the number of souls who have been and will be saved because of how your friend lived her life, now that is a reason for celebration. Prayers from VA for your friends family as well as you and all those who loved her.
Erin Port says
What a beautiful tribute to one of Gods sweet beauties, Manda. It is so evident you all love Jesus and out of that abundance your deep love for one another. I know She is impacting lives for Jesus. I thank God it’s see you soon, rather than goodbye. There’s hope in the grief because of Jesus. Big hugs to you today and prayers of course. Xoxo Erin
Sharon A says
What an amazing group of girlfriends you are. I am so so sorry for this tremendous loss. 🙁 I am praying for her husband and kids, extended family, and all of your sweet friends. Much love.
Keisha Dawson says
Prayers for her family and friends! You have all done such a beautiful job showing what a sweet blessing she was to you. I know her life is a testimony of God’s love!
kelly says
Sheaffer, what a touching tribute to your friend Manda. I’m so sorry. We will continue to pray for her family.
Jan Fisher says
So very sorry for your loss. Praying for Manda’s sweet family and all her friends. What beautiful tributes you all have written today in memory of your friend. You were truly lucky to know so such a sweet person and you are all lucky to have either other through this.
Amy says
I’m so, so sorry.
Angela Ellingson says
This is the 5th tribute blog post I’ve read about Manda this morning and oh the tears! So sorry for your immense loss! Thank you Jesus, for the hope we have in You! Praying for her sweet family! So comforting to know that those sweet kids have so many 2nd mamas in all of Manda’s friends.
Andrea says
I am so sorry for your loss. I have been praying for Manda and her family for several years and will continue to pray for her family.
Karen says
What a loving tribute to your friend. I’m so sorry for the loss of your friend.
Caroline says
I hate cancer. Such an injustice. I am so sorry for your loss
Alexis deZayas says
Love how you put that because of Jesus, you will get to hug her again. Such true and sweet words!
Julie says
Beautiful tribute! I am so sorry for your loss. Sounds like she was a blessing to many people, and that she was the type of person who left this world a little better place????
Deanna Lee says
Love these pictures and praying for your beautiful friend and her family!
Kristin says
I’m so very sorry for your loss. This was a beautiful tribute to your friend. I have been praying for you girls all weekend and will continue to pray for you all as well as her family.
Gt says
I’m sorry for your loss and for her family’s loss.
Leigh says
This is such a beautiful tribute to your friend. I will continue to pray for her family and friends. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Amy Powers says
What a beautiful and heartfelt tribute. Manda was blessed to have all of you–these pictures are so beautiful and amazing. Offering my continued thoughts and prayers for all of Manda’s family and friends. God Bless.
Lindsay D. says
I’m so sorry for your loss!! Manda’s story has touched me and I will be praying for her family and friends. God bless you all! xo
Lisa Richardson says
What a beautiful testimony of friendship. You girls down there in Texas are so blessed to have each other to cling to in good times and bad. Losing a friend is hard and you will miss her. I went through this about 18 months ago. I’m glad you are taking a little break. I know y’all will have a busy, emotional week. Love and prayers from CA❤
Kathi M says
Sheaffer,
I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet friend. I have prayed for Manda many times and will continue to lift up her little family in the coming days and weeks. I’m so thankful for the promise that this life is not the end, and I look forward to meeting her someday.
Priscilla says
What a beautiful tribute. I am so glad you are taking a break from blogging. I think, sometimes, we really need to focus on what is truly important to us. Right now it needs to be your family and Manda’s family. Praying for everyone ❤
Pat F. says
Sheaffer, I am so very sorry to hear about your dear friend, Manda. Your tribute to her was absolutely lovely! I will keep her family and friends in my thoughts and prayers. May God cradle her in his loving arms, surrounded by all of Heaven’s Angels. Rest in eternal glory, Manda!
Kelly says
Sheaffer, I am so sad for your loss. I know your hearts are hurting. When I was deep in grief and sorrow over the loss of a family member I read this quote – “grief is an expression of love”. This simple quote changed the weight and heaviness of my feelings instantly. You have expressed your love so beautifully today! I wish you and her family peace & comfort.
Maria D. says
I am very sorry for your loss! Glad she is with Jesus now – she will always be a blessing because of your memories. The pictures are great – I will add her husband, children and extended family to my prayers.
Alison says
I’m so sorry for your loss. She sounds Iike a wonderful friend. Big hugs and prayers. I pray Jesus heals your heart.
love all the pics! You can tell y’all love each other so much. Jeni Taylor is one of my KD Sorority Sisters, small world.
April Parrish says
So sorry for your loss!!! Sending love & prayers to all!!!
Kathy White says
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. Psalm 116:15
Jeanie says
Sheaffer, I’m very sorry for your loss. Prayers and condolences for all.
Celesta says
So very sorry for your loss. This was a sweet post that made me cry! Prayers for everyone during this difficult time.
Christina D. says
I am so sorry for the loss of your friend-I never met Manda in person but words can express so much. Your words about Manda told a story of a Great Mama, Wife and Friend. I somehow came across your blog, and then Shay’s, Erica’s, and Andrea’s and your stories about Manda and friendship were inspiring. Love is what I heard in your stories of friendship, and love is what remains now. God Bless Manda, her family, and friends.
Christina says
I’m so sorry for your loss Sheaffer. My thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and Manda’s.
Leah says
I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for you all.
Debbie Hutcherson says
I’m so sorry for your loss. She gave it all she had. Prayers for her husband, children, family and friends.
Kenna says
Sending prayers to all of you who have lost such an amazing women! May God give you strength and healing.
Kelly says
What a loving tribute to your dear friend. Keeping the prayers coming for her family and friends.
You really have such a gift with words. Thank you for sharing
Rebecca says
I’m really sorry to hear the news of Manda’s passing. What beautiful words for your friend and her family and circle of friends will definitely be in my thoughts and prayers.
Amy Palmer says
I would love to listen to her Coffee Talk. The link you posted just takes us to this page of your blog. Is there somewhere to listen to her testimony?
Sheaffer says
Oh, no! Going to fix it now!
Shabby Miss Jenn says
I am so sorry for your loss. What a sweet friend she was to all of you!!!!!