Healing Cancer with Sis

“They say it’s cancer”, are the words that stood out in the text from my Sister. Cancer!! My sister has breast cancer.

I heard the words, but they didn’t sink in. Those are words I have heard from friends and distant family. But this was my sister. A few months earlier, she shared with me that she noticed a thickened area in her right breast. It was a small lump that hadn’t gone away. Lots of women have lumps, but she’s healthy and vibrant, so I’m sure it’s fine, I rationalized.

Sally is seven years younger than I am. As a child, she was the sister who got into my stuff. She spied on me when I was hanging out with boys. In my eyes, as a child, she was the “special one” who never got in trouble. But she was my little sister.

I got married at 17 and went off to live my life. I missed having a close relationship with Sally in our young adult years. The age difference and life circumstances just got in the way. She had several more years with Mom and Dad before she too got married. Our lives took different paths. But she was still my sister.

Throughout her life, Sally has faced many challenges that tested her faith. She was always stoic and never complained. She was always grateful for everything she had. She was not dissatisfied despite hardships and less-than-ideal conditions. Sally remained strong in her faith and trusted God that things would work out. And they did! She is the quietest, strongest woman I know. She is my sister.

So cancer?? Now she has cancer?? The words were sinking in. She’s already been through so much! She doesn’t deserve to have this diagnosis. She’s finally “living”! She has a wonderful husband and beautiful grandchildren and is having fun with her businesses. She’s happy!! I was concerned and worried. But mostly, I was angry. Angry that she was to face another challenge. This one was a big one.

Sally is my sister. Leave my sister alone!