“Daddy!” cried Shawna, when her Father walked into her hospital room unannounced.

“Oh dear sweet Shawna,” Daddy said, wrapping his arms gently around her.

Shawna stayed in her Father’s arms for a very long time.

“Daddy,” said Shawna. “I have a brain tumor.”

“I know Shawna,” cried Daddy. “I am so sorry.”

”They are going to operate on her in a weeks time,” said Mother.

“Good,” said Daddy. “The sooner the better.”

“Will you be here when I have my operation?” asked Shawna.

“Absolutely,” said Daddy. “I will be here for your operation.”

“Daddy I’m scared,” cried Shawna. “I don’t want to die.”

“Shawna Hawkins,” said Daddy strongly. “You aren’t going to die. You are a strong little girl and you will pull through this operation with flying colours. Don’t give in to this Shawna. Use every bit of strength you have to pull yourself through this. Shawna, just remember, you are not in this alone. We will be here for you. We will be praying for you to get through this.”

“Your Daddy is right,” said Mother, wiping away a tear from her eye. “You are strong and you will pull through this.”

“Shawna,” said Tracey, trying to hide the tears that were welling up inside her. “You just can’t die. I need you.”