In November 2000, my 38 year old sister died from breast cancer. Even now as I type this, I can see the images of her lifeless body laying on the bed as a result of a disease that I thought happened to "old ladies." I was wrong. It's not an "old ladies" disease. It's a disease that affect young, middle age and older women. Once I started researching breast cancer, to my surprise, it can affect men as well.
When my sister passed away, she left behind 3 teenage children and 2 grandchildren. My mother was so grief stricken because she never thought she would have to bury a child. It's suppose to be the other way around, right? My siblings and I were in such a state of shock that it left us speechless. Words could not express the pain we felt on that day. It was a day of mixed emotions as well. We also rejoiced in our hearts because my sister had come to accept Jesus Christ as her Savior.
*Side note: When I visited my sister in the hospice, I would lift up her arms and say "Jesus." All she could utter was a faint "uh huh." We have the opportunity each day to lift our hands and stretch our arms high and give praise to the Lord our God. He has done great things and is worthy. Don't take it for granted!
I want to encourage all women to learn how to do monthly breast examination. Talk to your daughters about the changes that will take place with her breast during puberty and teach her how to do self examinations. Get mammograms as early as you can. Pray for the women who are battling this disease and let's not be passive in our prayers. Breast cancer is not passive as it takes hold a vibrant woman in the prime of her life.
If you are reading this, you or someone in your family is battling breast cancer, please be encourage and cherish each day. Also know that God is healer and a Savior. My sister may not have gotten a healing here on earth, but she's resting in the arms of her Savior.
My daughter Ruthie was 10 years old at the time of my sisters death and she sang this song at the funeral.
http://www.nbcam.org/
9 comments:
Thank you for sharing. Although it was emotional, is was also inspiring. God bless you my friend.
Amen, amen and amen.
Dearest Sandra,
Autumn Blessings to you.
A well written post about a very sensitive and personal issue. Cancer is such an ugly thing and hideous how it robs people's health and lives.
d from homehaven
Wow, thanks for sharing this. I was touched about the part that we can raise our arms and praise the Lord any time and should take advantage of it now. Your poor sister and family.
Thank you for sharing your heart; I was blessed.
Thank you for this! It is a blessing and a needed reminder!
Hello my sweet sister in Christ
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Thank you for sharing such a personal and touching story. I know how devastating cancer is, I've lost a lot of my family to the horrible disease.
i am so sorry that you lost your sister. may God grant you peace. ~hugs~
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