I’ve been thinking about my sister a lot lately. In May she was diagnosed with Stage 3b breast cancer and has undergone several treatments of chemotherapy. Tomorrow, October 31st she will have surgery. I know it’s natural for her to be on my mind through all this…hoping she’s okay and not anxious…wishing I was not 1,000 miles away…praying for her to have complete peace about the procedure and confidence in her doctors… you know, the normal stuff. I want to put on my “Super Sis” cape, swoop in and save the day for her!
But covering all of that is a deep sense of gratitude that she’s MY sister! I have memories of her that no one else has or knows about. I have a love for her that is like none other. I’ve always been amazed that two females from the exact same gene pool (one I’m very grateful for!) can be so completely different. Oops! For 50+ years I’ve told her that we found her in a basket on the front doorstep! I guess the secret is out now! Yes, we are true biological sisters. : ) I must say she was a beautiful baby! I was not even five when she was born, but she carries her baby picture in her wallet to this day, so I can’t help but remember she was a prettier baby than I was! For a while she volunteered at the zoo and once brought a huge snake home…and it slept in her bed with her! Still give me the willies just thinking about it!!! But she LOVES animals…. always has and I imagine she always will. and I remember weird things...her love of Yogi Bear, Beanie & Cecil, Mr Moose from Captain Kangaroo. I don't even remember MY favorite cartoons but I remember hers!!!
Life has not always been easy for her but I think she has the biggest heart of anyone I know. She forgives when I don’t know if I could have. She loves…and has two wonderful loving sons who learned from her example. She is patient…the ‘quiet’ daughter. Me….not so ‘quiet’! Ever! I know she’s not perfect, but she’s the perfect sister for me. I’m so proud of her! The courage she has displayed over the last 5 months isn’t something new. It’s who she is. It has been an honor and privilege to pray for her on this journey. It has made my faith stronger. It has made our relationship stronger. This morning my pastor reminded us that when trials come…and they will come…it’s our choice whether we will resent God for the trial or rejoice in it because of the work that He’s doing in me through it. My choice. Am I passing the ‘acid test’ of this trial? I know this is really her trial, but I’m amazed at the impact it has made on me. We have cried together. We have talked through nausea on the phone. We have shared things that God is teaching us. And I am grateful. I pray that His purpose will be fulfilled in both of us…and that purpose is two-fold….that my/our faith may prove to be authentic and that God may be praised, honored and glorified. (again, from my pastor. thanks Pastor Dave!)
I know I will be a Nervous Nelly tomorrow waiting for the call that says she’s in recovery and doing fine! A day of prayer for me! And prayers from lots of my friends here in NJ! I love you, Sheeshee! We’ve come a long way and still have a ways to go! Looking forward to my visit in 11 days to see you, rejoice with you, laugh and maybe cry, make plans for Christmas and give thanks to our Faithful God!
“The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The Lord protects the simplehearted; Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.” Psalm 116:5-7
