Every day with brother a gift

Pam Galley of Turlock said she hesitated to respond to the "looking for miracles" invitation, but added that "realizing that miracles come in a variety of packages is one of the biggest lessons in life."

Her younger brother, Harley, was diagnosed with stage IV cancer in December 2009. "He was given less than one year to live," Galley said. "It is a miracle that he is with us, planning Christmas 2012."

Harley will turn 40 on Dec. 31. He is married and has three children, ages 7, 11 and 12. "I can't claim our miracle will have a completely happy ending," Galley said. "His oncologist has recently reminded him there is not a cure, and it is a miracle he has been able to endure almost two years of chemotherapy in an effort to slow the cancer's growth and spend as much time as possible with his family.

"But his story is a miracle nonetheless. He has beaten the odds and taught me how precious life is."

Galley points to the story of Jesus — born in a manger and dying on a cross.

"I guess on the surface, this story doesn't appear to end well, either, but we know differently. My miracle is wrapped in amazement at my brother's strength and the miracle of the extended time we've had together."