People

I love my sisters and my children deeply. They walk with me through the deep valley and rejoice with me on the high mountain top. My mother's connection to my soul is beyond words. My friends are my joy. When cancer became a part of my life I relied on all of them for strength. That is when every word they said, every tear they shed, became mine.

People who love....

• cry with you
• remember to call or text you on a chemo day
• return emails (in my case my very long update emails that were really my way of working through the pain)  
• send inspiring messages on your facebook page
• send pretty cards and little thoughtful gifts - pink of course!
• organize a team to walk in your honor at the Race for the Cure!
• tell you that you look beautiful when you know you don't
• pray for you
• hope for you
• listen to you

The confidence, loyalty, and love that these people gave me through the mastectomy and chemotherapy was like the wind that keeps a kite flying. Just hearing their voices, laughs, and encouragements were the best moments of my days. My mother's voice, whose sadness is disguised in hope. Margot's daily phone call that left me laughing so hard I forgot all about the nausea. She knew exactly what I needed -- pink nail polish, lipstick, water bottles. Mitch giving me sound spiritual advice and his confident belief in my healing -- when did he grow up?  Linda and my niece and nephews sending get well letters and small, special gifts at least once a week. Alison's glittery, feather, and colorful cards. Luke's funny drawings of the enemy zapping the cancer cells. Mikey's coaching comments -- "You can do it, Aunt Lisa!".  Dianne's way with soothing words and Nicholas' cute phone calls. My mother-in-law's (the nurse) matter of fact and sensible words of wisdom.  Lee's dad -- the on call driver, cook, medical adviser, general support, and voice of old-fashioned, common sense.  Patty sending me a princess tiara and Terri sending me a warm blanket for those chemo days. Patty and Terri - faithful and loyal long distance friends. Michelle's humor and ear to God, and Linda Lou's daily prayers via text messages. Daniella's list of anti-cancer foods with psalms, and Valeria's advice on makeup and hair. Selina who couldn't be more honest and loving. JD - thank you, my adopted brother - we must be twins because no one can be so much like me. Matthew's quiet hugs. Fourth grader Josh who carried my lunch and books from the door to my office. The pink boxing gloves signed by all the students. Mr. Mims' daily morning howdy-doo check up on my progress. Stephanie's real and courageous attitude.

Every single one - remembered forever....are like pieces of the tapestry that made a beautiful picture of my healing.