After a fantastic two weeks at my son's in Illinois, I am finally back home!
It was a totally unplanned trip, but my sister Carol was recently diagnosed with brain cancer and I absolutely had to see her. She didn't know I was coming up so it was a great surprise for her. I had been told how well she was doing but needed to see for myself. We had a few truly enjoyable evenings together and spent more time talking and visiting that we have for the last several years. How easy it is to put the ones we love on the back burner while we tend to our own lives. My advice to everyone is to be sure to say "I love you" to everyone you love every time to walk out the door or hang up the phone. You never know what tomorrow may bring.
Just over a month ago, she underwent surgery and they removed an egg-sized tumor from the right side of her brain. Can you even imagine having something that large invading your head? I can't.
Unfortunately they were unable to remove everything because it would have taken away her motor functions and left her unable to do anything. Right now, she is undergoing a course of chemo and radiation. The doctor's have told her that they estimate two good years. But hey...I still believe in miracles and who knows what can happen in two years.
Whatever the future holds, the true miracle has already happened. She has been fighting depression for years and the sister that I saw was the one I remembered from 10 years ago! We laughed, we cried and we cherished every minute we were together. Her outlook on life and death is fantastic and she is prepared for whatever happens. I only hope that if I were given the same news, I could accept it with the grace that she has. She is thankful for the life she has had. She's had a fantastic marriage and raised two wonderful children that have given her 6 grandchildren to enjoy. Of course she would love to see them all grow up, but if she doesn't she knows they will be OK and well loved with many great memories of the time she does have with them.
I have come home with a new outlook on life and I now am asking myself "How important is this?" when I let something stress or upset me. I have been so inspired by my sister and whatever happens, she is my new hero.
If you read this Carol, just remember that I love you and am never farther than a phone call away.
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Glad to see your back and that you had a good visit... I totally agree with your post.. be sure you spread the love around today since we never know what will happen next. Sweating the small stuff just isn't worth it in the whole scheme of things.. hugs to you both and a hug to my sister too :)
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely beautiful post 'Mingo. It sounds like your time with your sister did you both well. It truly struck a cord with me because my sister (who's two years old and, once upon a time was one of my best friends) and I have been struggling with our relationship for a couple of years now. Your post has definitely encouraged me to continue to make an effort to once again become close with my big sis'. Thanks and best to you and your sister.
ReplyDeleteThanks Glass & Briga! This was a tough post to write and have the things I wanted to say not sound corny.
ReplyDeleteBriga you for sure need to find a middle ground with your sister and keep trying whether she encourages you or not. We only get one family and they are the people who will always know us best!
Thanks 'Mingo. I know you're right :) Sometimes it seems that doing what you know to be right is one of the hardest things to do.
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