Today’s post is for my sister – beautiful in sickness and in health.
The skies are dark
The branches bare –
My sister is not well.
Branches bear the weight of night –My sister is not well.
Thank you, Nature, for mirroring exactly what I feel.
I appreciate that!
Then you turn around and do THIS.
The sun illumines
Branches bright –
The tall pines stretch
And reach the light –
While buds emerge both
Green and fair.Flowering trees in
Yellow –
White –The solitary tulip
Might –
Offer solace –
On a day when spring sings everywhere.
My spirit lifts
Then settles down somewhere –
But honestly, Nature, nowhere good.
My sister is not well –
And don’t you know?
My heart lives there.
#FuckYouCancer
* * *
Mom and Dad, your love has always lifted Cheryl up, and God’s love shines radiantly through you. Thank you Molly Litz, Karen Hennessey, Jen Miller, Deanna Anderson, Cassandra Hornbuckle, Center for Women’s Health, Patrick Clancy, Amanda Hampton, Carolyn Taylor, and Loretta Pearson for being among the first to send love and help take care of my sister. Thank you Bill Lloyd for loving her for a long time. You will always be family. To the other friends who are lining up to help: Thank you, I love you from a distance. Cheryl has good friends because she knows how to be a friend. She’s a good little sister. She lets me boss her around. And sometimes she bosses me around. It seems to work out well, generally speaking. Better as we’ve gotten older. xoxo
March 28, 2019 at 10:34 am
Beautiful words for a beautiful sister. Sending love and healing vibes to Cheryl from Nashville.
March 28, 2019 at 4:26 pm
Xoxo
March 28, 2019 at 10:51 am
‘The sweetest songs are those that tell of saddest thought.” Shelley
March 28, 2019 at 4:27 pm
And – I wonder – why should that be so? Thank you so much for being in touch, Barbara – xoxo
March 28, 2019 at 10:51 am
Sending loving kindness and healing winds from the Himalayas
March 28, 2019 at 4:28 pm
Linda, how wonderful to hear from you! Thank you. I feel them. Xoxo
March 28, 2019 at 10:57 am
Jennifer, what a beautiful post. Thank you for this, so moving. Sending love to you and your sister. xoxoxo
March 28, 2019 at 4:29 pm
Thank you, Ann – xoxo
March 28, 2019 at 11:02 am
Jennifer, what a moving post…
Sending my thoughts and prayers to you and your sister❤️
March 28, 2019 at 4:30 pm
Thank you, Paula – Xoxo
March 28, 2019 at 11:06 am
Jennifer, sending love to you & your family. Holding you close. Jessica
March 28, 2019 at 4:30 pm
Jessica – So grateful. Xoxo
March 28, 2019 at 11:08 am
Jennifer, these are beautiful thoughts and pictures. Sending love to you and her.
March 28, 2019 at 4:45 pm
Thank you, Paige – xoxo
March 28, 2019 at 11:55 am
I am praying for your sister who sounds wonderful.
March 28, 2019 at 4:39 pm
Thank you so very much. She is a dear. Xoxo
March 28, 2019 at 9:25 pm
Oh Jennifer I am so sorry. I’m adding your beautiful sister and you to my prayers❤️❤️, Sandra
April 1, 2019 at 1:51 pm
Thank you Sandra – that means so much to me – xoxo
March 28, 2019 at 12:26 pm
I am sorry to hear about your sister. I will certainly keep her in my prayers.
March 28, 2019 at 4:39 pm
I truly appreciate it, Anne – xoxo
March 28, 2019 at 3:21 pm
Beautiful tribute to a lovely sister, my prayers are with you both!
March 28, 2019 at 4:38 pm
Thank you, that is the kindest gift you can give me. Xoxo
March 28, 2019 at 4:23 pm
Sending love and prayers to you both from Patagonian shores!
March 28, 2019 at 4:38 pm
Thank you, Kaaren – be safe and well! Xoxo
March 28, 2019 at 4:59 pm
Your touching words and beautiful photos give a glimpse into the depths of emotion. How I love your deep soul, Jennifer. Praying for you, Cheryl and your family.
March 28, 2019 at 5:02 pm
Shelby, your words and prayers mean so much to me. And please give my love and thanks to Brent who got me in to his office so quickly when I was feeling anxious. Xoxo
March 28, 2019 at 5:53 pm
March 28, 2019 at 6:03 pm
I am there with your sister . It is my daughter who is by my side .
March 28, 2019 at 6:08 pm
Bev I will add you to my prayers. I’m doing a lot of praying lately. I’m so glad your daughter is able to hold your hand. Xoxo
March 28, 2019 at 7:29 pm
You are a tremendous comfort and support for your sister, Cheryl. Keeping you both in my prayers ❤️.
April 1, 2019 at 2:01 pm
Thank you so much, Nancy – you know how much it means. I’m so grateful for your guidance on this journey already. xoxo
March 28, 2019 at 7:34 pm
Oh no! I’m so sorry to hear about your sister’s illness—Matt told me today. Please know we are sending love, strength & hope your way & to your family. Much love & hugs—the Osbornes
April 1, 2019 at 1:52 pm
It’s amazing how love from afar can lift you up. Thank you, Mary Beth – xoxo
March 29, 2019 at 10:56 am
Jennifer, I know you are the best sister ever. I’m a bit jealous of Cheryl. (Brothers are not so poetic.) Both of you, and your family, are in my prayers. May the Lord grant peace and healing, physically and emotionally. Xoxo
April 1, 2019 at 1:53 pm
I am LAUGHING that you’re a bit jealous of Cheryl!! I’d love to have you as a little sister too, Amanda!! Thank you for keeping us in your prayers. xoxo
March 31, 2019 at 12:55 am
Jen – Cheryl is here, right? Is there anything I can do? I am good with doctors and fetching groceries and whatnot. Tell her to give me a shout if I can do anything at all.
April 1, 2019 at 1:57 pm
You are so incredibly kind, Gina. I so appreciate it! Yes she is. I know you’re very capable in a crisis – and I know you mean it. When she starts chemo, I’ll be in touch… thank you for your love and concern. xoxo
March 31, 2019 at 8:26 am
I’m so sorry to hear about your sister Cheryl. Sending her our love and prayers!
April 1, 2019 at 3:06 pm
Julie, it lifts my heart to hear from you… thank you… xoxo
April 1, 2019 at 1:29 pm
Thank you for sharing with us so we can also be part of your emotional support crew and cheerleaders on the sidelines routing her on. Never discount the impact a fan base can have! Sending you lots of ❤️
April 1, 2019 at 3:07 pm
Alicia, I have never felt the truth of your words as strongly as I feel them right now. Thank you so much – xoxo
April 6, 2019 at 8:16 am
Precious Jennifer,
I am “late to the table” but learning today, I now want to join the circle of love and prayers for Cheryl and for you, dearest one. We love you, from John, too! May God keep you strong in Him!