Tuesday, January 18, 2011

So Proud of my Sister


My sister Darlene and I are just 13 months apart in age. I was the older, bossier sister. I'm still older, hopefully not so bossy. This photo of the two of us was taken in June 2009, in Bratislava, Slovakia. Walking around Europe together (along with our mother) was fun, and just the right sort of exercise we enjoy. None of us are into sports or athletics.

Shortly after returning home, my sister's second son, Colin, was diagnosed with cancer. He fought valiantly and by Christmas we all rejoiced - the stem cell transplant seemed to have worked. However, the cancer returned in a vicious form and sweet Colin died in July, 2010. The months since have been difficult for his parents, Darlene and Neil, for his widow Melissa with two children, for his siblings, and for his extended family

 I nearly fell off my chair when my sister told me that she has taken on the challenge of biking 200 kilometers this summer to raise funds for cancer research. Given our athletic habits, this is a real feat. She's training regularly. Her husband and family are rooting for her. It's amazing what love can do. I'm so proud of her. 

Here's a link to Darlene's personal page where you can see a photo of her with Colin. I love you, my sister.


15 comments:

  1. Lorrie, your sister has a wonderful goal in mind and must find such strength in the support she gets from you and the rest of her family. I will look forward to reading about her journey. Best of Luck to Darlene!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Lorrie - I've printed off the donation form and will mail a donation in Darlene's name very soon.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I will follow this with interest, Lorrie. I, too, have sisters, and I'm the older sister - and I hope not a bossy one!

    ReplyDelete
  4. What a brave lady. You look lovely together.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Lorrie. We miss Colin so much and will be rooting for Darlene as she takes on this "athletic" challenge!
    Have a great day!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Good luck to your sister, I will stay tuned in. I, too, am the oldest sister and even though I try not to be bossy I am thought of in that way by both my sisters.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Wow, I'm impressed! Good luck with the training sis.

    xo Terri

    ReplyDelete
  8. Wow! That is quite an undertaking. But I know how determined a mother's heart is, so I'm sure she will do it well!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I have 2 sisters and I've always been the older, bossy one too.
    Wishing your sister all the very best with this challenge.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I cannot even imagine the pain of losing a child. What a inspiration your sister is. I could learn a thing or two from her.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Ohhh...Lorrie. Such sadness your sister has had to endure...she sounds like an amazing soul. As Laura Ingalls Gunn said, we could all take a page from her book.
    Sending love, prayers and good thoughts to you and your family.
    Warmly,
    Tracey
    x0x

    ReplyDelete
  12. Wow! What a story...I can see why you're so proud of your wonderful sister :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. This is so sad. My heart aches for them. I will say a prayer for her all all of her family. (Of course she will make her goal!)

    ReplyDelete
  14. Oh my. Reading your post brought back recent memories. We lost our 18 year old nephew in May of 2010 to leukemia. He received a marrow transplant from his sister, but relapsed. He fought, and fought hard, for 20 months. Losing him has been so difficult for his parents.
    I pray that your sister and family can heal and find peace in their lives. How wonderful that she wants to do this biking challenge.
    Thank you for sharing this part of your life with us.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Prayers going up for your dear sis.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for your comment. I read and value each one, cherishing the connections we can make although far apart. Usually, I visit your blog in return, although if you ask a question I try to contact you directly.

Home Pursuits

  In the mornings, we sit and let the birds entertain us while we eat breakfast. A pair of Downy Woodpeckers come one at a time, rarely toge...