Sisters...

Eight years and 9 months ago I lost one of my best friends, my sister Jessica. Losing her was the hardest thing I have ever gone through. What we thought would be a quick trip to the hospital for some medicine, turned out the be the scariest three weeks of my life. Almost nine years later, I still remember it like it was yesterday. 

Jessica had been sick for a few weeks. She was coughing so hard that she was passing out and getting terrible bruises all over her body. She would go to the doctor and get antibiotics that never seemed to help. One morning Jessica woke up and she was completely blind. My mom and dad panicked then quickly took her to the emergency room. The next day our worst fears were confirmed... cancer. She was diagnosed with leukemia, something I had only heard of on TV or in movies. 

The next few days were all a blur. She was put on high doses of chemotherapy. She kept her spirits up and was so appreciative of the care she was given. Soon she decided it was time to cut her beautiful hair, so when the time came for it to fall out, it wouldn't be so dramatic. Throughout her treatment, we had so much hope. I knew she was going to beat this. 

After several weeks, she had adjusted to this new lifestyle of living in the hospital. We celebrated her 22nd birthday. We decorated the room with a Christmas tree and I even got to have a sleepover. Although it wasn't the same as when we were little, spending that time with her was priceless to me. My sister and I got a chance to bond like we never had before. She was my big sister, so usually she was the one taking care of me. Now it was my turn to care for her.

Three long weeks into this ordeal, Jessica's health took a turn for the worse. The chemotherapy did it's job and killed the cancer cells, but it also killed all of her infection fighting cells. She developed pneumonia and was put on a ventilator. We prayed for a miracle. On December 1, 2002 my beautiful sister lost her battle with leukemia. I still haven't gotten over losing her and probably never will, but I have learned how to live without her here. Everyday I thank God for the time I was given with my sister and the memories we made. 

Now that I am a mommy, I cherish every moment I get to spend with my daughter and I never take a single moment for granted. So give your kids an extra hug and kiss tonight and make sure you tell them how much you love them while you have the chance. 

In honor of my sister this year I have signed up to volunteer at a center for grieving children. I couldn't be more excited to try to help make a difference in their lives. 

A really old photo...

     

    In Loving Memory of Jessica Kristine