She who inspires!
This award is presented in honor of Renee, not the JunkQueen but a woman fighting stage 4 breast cancer. It was created by Renee's friends Bella and Ces, to be given to people who inspire us, who help us grow into who we are today and will be tomorrow.
Here's what they have to say about their friend:
"Renee is one human being who has made such a difference in the lives of many just by being. Her honesty, wit, intelligence, and grit are a tremendous source of inspiration. She can elicit raucous laughter and guffaws in her banter, and then turn right around and offer the most heartfelt, gentle words of wisdom and emotional support. She is a spreader of love, simple and true. And her love is infectious."
Now I'm suppose to turn around and present this award to eight blogging friends who have inspired me. Instead, I'm awarding eight of these awards to my own sister!
Or fifty of them. Or maybe a hundred of them. She deserves them all!
Sis has stage 4 ovarian cancer. She's had it off and on (mostly on) for TWELVE YEARS. This Friday she will once again stick her hands and feet into ice for three hours as a potent poison drips into her body.
If I haven't lost count, this is the seventh type of chemo Sis has received, plus radiation and multiple surgeries. Yet I've never talked to her when she was down. Throwing up, yes. In bed so weak she couldn't lift a book, yes. But feeling sorry for herself? Never. In a bad mood? Never.
Sis is a loving wife, mother, and grandmother who is battling a disease that scientists are slowly conquering. In ten years, she feels woman will have more options against all types of cancers.
But that's in ten years. Sis, though, is determined to be around to see that happen, to watch her grandchildren graduate and marry and become mothers themselves.
I told her once that I admired her. She replied "Why? It's not like I have a choice."
But she does have a choice. In her circumstances, she could be a grumpy, bitchy, and demoralized human being. Instead, she's a joy and an inspiration to be around.
I love ya, Sis!
I think she is deserving of any and all damn awards we can come up with!!!
ReplyDeleteIn case you can't see me, I am giving you both a standing ovation.
Debbie
God Bless you sisters. How woderful to have a sister. Only child, Sandi
ReplyDeleteYour words were brilliant, touching, and empowering! The unsung hero's of everyday life, such as your sister. Thank you for the post, it touched me deeply! Take care, Sue
ReplyDeleteThat was beautiful. You made me cry. Your sister's story is an inspiration to us all. Thank you for sharing her. Thank her for fighting with courage.
ReplyDelete-FringeGirl
Cher, What a beautiful post dedicated to your sister. I hope this Friday will bring miracles...
ReplyDeleteeverything vintage
Your sister deserves a million tributes for her courage and determination. She is lucky to have you...ox lulu
ReplyDeleteYour sister deserves all that and more. I'm rooting for her. I am a survivor. They caught mine early in the game and I am "C" free for almost 25 years now. So I will be sending all my positive fighting cancer thoughts her way. Oh and a sense of humor is key! My mother gave me a mix tape (that's how long ago it was) and that is what I listened to everyday of my recovery. It was full of "Girl" songs. All up beat and positive. I still feel the urge to get up and dance when I hear Mustang Sally.
ReplyDeleteCher, your words are truly an encouragement to all those who are battling cancer. I received the following from my Oncologist and posted it on my blog. I hope you don't mind if I repeat it here.
ReplyDeleteCancer is so limited...
It Cannot Cripple Love,
It Cannot Shatter Hope,
It Cannot Corrode Faith,
It Cannot Destroy Peace,
It Cannot Kill Friendship,
It Cannot Suppress Memories
It Cannot Silence Courage,
It Cannot Invade The Soul,
It Cannot Stead Eternal Life,
It Cannot Conquer The Spirit.
Your sister encompasses all these things into one being. Thanks for the post.
Cher: This is a super post from a super woman about her super sister! Bravo...bravo...bravo to your sister! What a wonderful example she is to all women. Some of us can't even make good, simple, daily choices, while she makes the ultimate choice to live life positively and enthusiastically! Thank you for giving this award to your sister, because she has given you the award of sharing her life! I would also like to thank Meb for sharing this wonderful poem. I am passing this poem on to my Mother who has incurable bone cancer. All you women inspire me!
ReplyDeleteMalisa
trib·ute (trbyt) n.
ReplyDelete1. A gift, declaration, an acknowledgment of gratitude, respect, or admiration
Your blog today is a beautiful, heartfelt
tribute to your sister. We should all be so
fortunate to have someone to stand with each
of us when we feel most vulnerable and alone.
Hugs to you both... that was just so touching it brought tears to my eyes. I am a survivor too! I had uterine cancer. Cancer free for many years - amen. I hear what you say about her being a brave soldier! My mom was that way...bald and beautiful too...but the disease got her in November. Now dad is fighting the battle. God bless you guys...in my heart forever!
ReplyDeleteYou both are so luck to have each other!
ReplyDeleteHi Cher!
ReplyDeleteIt was good to be able to meet your sis when you stopped by the Yaya (and your hubby also!). Fist, thanks for stoppin' by the yaya...and yes, I will be doing another workshop on jewelry next month!
Congrats on the awards...very well deserved, and give "sis" a hug again from the yaya!
xo...deb
Cher so sorry to hear about your sister.I know this has to be very hard for you. This is the first time to visit your blog.I have enjoyed reading your blog. It always makes me feel like I know who people are.I will continue to follow.
ReplyDeleteLove and prayers
Vikki
She is special, so are you.... love ya, PJ
ReplyDelete