Sisters

I come from a family of seven.  I have three older sisters a year apart from each other.  My oldest sister is 15 years older than me.  It has been interesting having 3 sisters.  My oldest sister is very mothering.  She is protective of me even though I have children of my own who are in their twenties.  My second older sister is very inquisitive and has no problem asking questions like an interrogator.  My third sister is very matter of fact.

We have reached a new phase of our relationships.  My “younger” sister was diagnosed with cervical cancer three years ago.  She went through surgery and has gotten the A- ok at her subsequent doctor visits.  My second older sister’s husband was diagnosed with two types of cancer back in 2009 and he also has gotten the A- ok at his subsequent visits.  My sister has been his advocate asking questions, researching foods and treatments and has been keeping him healthy.  My oldest sister was recently diagnosed with uterine cancer.  She will be undergoing chemo and radiation.  Next week she is being pro-active and having her hair shaved rather than letting the chemo take away her hair.

I am unsettled about this new phase of our lives.  Together we have weathered the storm of our parent’s illnesses and their deaths, but this is different.  My older sister lives hundreds of miles away with no family close by.  My plans for this new phase is to call/ text everyday, keep things upbeat, send funny cards, send loving notes, visit her during April break after her second round of chemo, and pray.  United together we will fight this.