Thursday, May 21, 2009

To all the Girls I've Loved Before


Ten years ago, give or take a few months, I made one of the hardest decisions in my life. It was even harder than taking that first bite of broccoli. And we ALL know how hard that can be (except for Savant, but she's weird like that).

It was early in the morning when Mr. Stainrejecting Whitecoat Oncologist came into my room. At least I think it was early morning, it's hard to tell when the only window you have around you is the one to your soul (insert a bit of drama here). He delivered my diagnosis with empathy and sympathy, more empathy than you'd expect from a whitecoat which is why I stuck with him through thick needles and thin. His deliverance of my death sentence was Leukemia. It came with all the lifetime movie network drama one liners in existence. Very surreal. Very chemical. Very dramatized. I felt distanced from the entire thing; almost like having an outer body experience. But one thought did surface from this mess of jangled information floating through my mind.

Who is going to take care of my children when I'm gone.

That was the only fear I had when it came to dying. Who. Who was going to love them like I do. Who was going to take them to church. Who was going to teach them about love. Life. Teen pregnancy and how to avoid it. How to say no to drugs. Keep bad boys from them. Make them stay in school. Teach them how to treat people right. Love them like I do. ::aside:: Wow, I'm having a hard time writing this one. Bear with me.

The mind works quickly when presented with this situation, believe it or not, and brick wall after brick wall I hit trying to find someone to fit the bill. I shouldn't have tried so hard. My little sister did all the work for me. Although I shouldn't say little, she's only 18 months younger than me.

Tut and I grew up like twins. What she had I had, and what I had she tore from my unprying hands. It was love hate. Sometimes we loved each other, most of the time we hated each other. You know, like sisters do. We grew up, grew apart, grew back together once we reached our late twenties and entered our thirties. She never teased me about my age because she knew that she wasn't that far behind. Before the doctors could even find out what was trying to kill me, she drove over 1,000 miles to be with me. She sat her LeBeouf Butt on a very small step stool and read Anne McCafferty's "All the Weyrs of Pern," every single night that I was in ICU. And when it looked like I was going to live long enough to attempt chemo, she stepped up to a bigger plate.

I have to pause in my story here to add her partner, T. T not only gave up being with my sister for the months she was here with me, she didn't hesitate in stepping up to the plate with my sister. From that day on, she stopped being my sister's partner and became my sister.

Back at the ranch.

Tut and T decided to take my girls home with them. We drew up papers. Fixed my will. Had Power of Attorney given to them. They took them away from the chemo, the illness, the on again off again hospital stays. They took them away from seeing their mother fade away and touch the brink of death. They took them to school. They fed them. They played with them. They did homework with them. They took them to church (trust me, they did). Most importantly, they loved them. I still don't think they understand what gift they gave me. They allowed me to do what I had to do to get better. They allowed me the comfort of knowing my girls would have decent, loving parents for the rest of their lives if I didn't get better. That, in itself, is priceless.

Tut and T were down for a visit this past week. They left yesterday, headed back to home, a really big dog, and work. It's always hard saying goodbye to them. It tugs my heart strings to no end. They took Teen Two with them this time. She's going to work for them this summer. Erg!

I miss them all SO SO SO much.

PhotoStory Friday
Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

20 comments:

  1. Oh that is heart-wrenching and your feelings are so understandable. Sending best wishes, your way.

    ReplyDelete
  2. (sniffle) Your story always touches my heart. It is so great that your sister and her mate were there for you and your wee ones at the time.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I found you through Mommakin's site, this story is wonderful. Scares the crap outta me, and it's uplifting at the same time. Thanks for sharing!
    Macey : )

    ReplyDelete
  4. Wow, that was truly touching. Clearly they remained an important part of your girls' lives as well as your own. You are so lucky to have such a strong loving support group - and all four of surely know how lucky they are to have you.

    Thank you so much for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Wow Alex, this is so special, you are lucky to have that kind of a sister, and her partner like another sister to you. I hope you don't miss teen two too much.........it will be a good time for you both I'm sure in the end. What will she be doing with them this summer?

    ReplyDelete
  6. Alex, how wonderful that your sister and T were there for you and your girls when you needed them. I'm sure knowing your girls were OK was a big relief to you and help in your recovery. I can only hope that someday my girls are there for each other in the same way.

    ReplyDelete
  7. What a beautiful story. Thank heaven for sisters like Tut and T! And, I'm glad you're all better.

    ReplyDelete
  8. *Hugs* What an incredibly touching story.

    ReplyDelete
  9. It's nice to have people like that around you. Great story, thanks again. :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Mama, I've been in remission for almost ten years now. Woo Hoo!
    Tink, you're a softie. I love it when you say wee ones.
    MiMi: I LOVE Tammy's blog. Isn't it awesome? Thanks for stopping by. I ran over to your blog, and yesterday's post was freaking hilarious.
    Tammy, they have both stayed active in the girls' lives. We wouldn't have it any other way. Last year when Hurricane Gustav and Ike chased us out of our home, they boarded and fed us until it was safe enough to return. Considering I have five kids ranging from almost 18 to under 1, I'd say they are entering the saint category! I'm glad I have them.

    Anita: She will be making pizzas, answering phones, and washing dishes. They own a Domino's franchise.

    Pam: It was the only way I could have done this. I hope my girls develop that kind of relationship as well. I'd be lost without them.

    Michelle and Shellie: Thanks for stopping by, it was nice meeting you.

    Whispering: Hugs to you too! And thanks for your support.

    Laala: It's better than nice, it's like chocolate. I'm glad to see you back from Milan. Your pictures from there were fabulous.

    ReplyDelete
  11. What a wonderful blessing they are to you and your family.

    ReplyDelete
  12. That was heart wrenching to read that & I am glad your little sister is such a kindhearted and big person to take on your children like she did.
    Really hope you get better.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Wow - what a story, I have goosebumps just reading it. How amazing, I am so thrilled you are hear to write this. What a wonderful sister you have, no wonder you are sad she has left.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Wow, Alex.
    I love it/hate it when I have no words.
    Will you settle for "Wow, Alex"?

    ReplyDelete
  15. Amazing story! I am so glad you found someone to care for your children, my worries would be the same.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I'm with Ms. Savant. Can I just copy and paste her comment?

    I have an award for you.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Wow, that's quite a story and so touching I don't know what to say. You're blessed!

    ReplyDelete
  18. speechless-what a gift for them and you. Hope you can stop by to view my photo hunt Thanks so much.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I am so happy for u .I have a younger sister and she can not have children .She is a wonderful person .It warms my heart to read about how family is still a real thing .Even in this fast paced day and age . You are blessed ! And strong !! I love ur blog !!! :)

    ReplyDelete