Tuesday, July 13, 2010

A Sister Gone...loss

I am so sad. Broken hearted. I feel heavy, like I could sink into the seat I am sitting in. My step-sister, less than a year older than me, whom I grew up with from the age of 8... is gone. She finally could no longer handle the fight she was engaged in with cancer. She has been seriously ill for two years now. A few years ago, she had breast cancer. Went through the radiation and a masectomy. It came back. Now, her family must go on without her. It's a terrible loss. She has three children and a husband left behind. My heart is the most heavy for her youngest, only 9, like my own daughter. How can she even begin to understand the enormity of it all, let alone deal with the loss of the most important person in her life. It's tragic.

I remember when we were both pregnant with our daughters. Kathy was a month behind me in her pregnancy. She called me before she told anyone else...so upset. The last thing she wanted was to be pregnant again. She had two other children, almost grown. I remember telling her that things happen for a reason and that her new child would bring her joy. We talked for a while about it. I told her we could make it fun, being pregnant at the same time, together. I think I made her feel better about it.

My step sister and I were not really close. Due to family drama's there was always a little bit of a wedge there. It wasn't personal towards me...it just was what it was. That often happens with blended...broken...families. Still, she and my other step-sister were and are the closest thing I will ever have to siblings. Just because we weren't always that close, doesn't make my loss any less. I grew up with her...though in different households. I share so many memories, experiences, history with her. I will truely miss her more than I can say.

Kathy was what I call a gentle soul. She had a sweet disposition. She was quiet, but not a shrinking violet by any means. She touched so many people with her gentleness.

I am so sad at her loss. There will be such a large hole left in our family.

Please pray for her family in their time of need...

14 comments:

retdairyqueen said...

Oh Loralyn I feel for you
Such a terrible disease and so hard to fight
So sad for her family
Iam thinking of you
What more canI say
Hugs

Allie said...

Oh hon - I'm so sorry - I lost my sister-in-law when her daughter was only nine to this same monster. I will certainly keep her family and YOU in prayer.

Cindy Is Crafty said...

Loralynn, I am so sorry for your family's loss. You will absolutely be in my prayers!

Vicki ♥ said...

I am so sorry for your loss and its a horrid thing this cancer. I will hold you and your family in my prayers and am sending you lots of ((((Hugs)))) too. Take care Loralyn
Hugs Vicki

Carrie P. said...

Oh, Dear Loralyn, I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for you all.

Grethe said...

Very sad to read all about your loss and so sorry for the children and the rest of the family.All the best to you.

Micki said...

I am so sorry and my prayers go with you all!
Micki

Daffycat said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. Sending good thoughts and prayers. *hugs*

Patty said...

I'm so sorry to hear this. I hope you're doing ok. And I hope Kathy's family is too. I was just at Facebook enjoying the wedding pictures and wanted to tell you you did not look like a dork in that one and the kids all look like they were having lots of fun. I love happy family pictures and those were great. Take care, Loralynn.

Annette said...

I'm sorry Loralyn. You all are in my prayers.

Liz said...

My thoughts are with you...

My Life Under the Bus said...

Oh Loralynn - I am so sorry. My twins turn 9 this week-I can not imagine leaving them so young.You and your family are in my prayers.
Big Hugs, Patty

Katherine said...

I'm so sorry. I have two friends who lost a parent when they were around that young, and it was hard for both of them.

Susan Elliott said...

Loralynn...I'm just catching up on blog reading and found your post today. I'm so very very sorry for the loss of your sister. I pray and hope that the young girl will find some refuge in your love for her and likewise, you will find some peace. Grief is a very hard road to travel...just know that I walk with you there and am holding your hand. xo Susan