My sister-in-law, Lisa

[paris]

Lisa was diagnosed with breast cancer 3 years ago. She was at stage 4 immediately, but was determined she would beat the odds. She wouldn't let the doctor give her a time frame - she simply wanted to live.  I have known Lisa since we were both teenagers; before I married her brother. She is a woman full of grace and a true lady. She had an incredible husband who fought this battle with her; always looking for a new answer.  We spent the weekend before Mother's Day with her in Atlanta. Hopice had told us it was a matter of time. As always, Lisa looked beautiful - bald but beautiful!  We spent time holding hands, praying, reminiscing. She was heavily medicated because by now the cancer was in most of her organs and her brain.  I can't even begin to say how hard it was for my husband to say goodbye to his little sister.  The nurse told him he had to tell her that it was ok to go and we loved her.  Tomorrow we drive back to Atlanta for her memorial service.  It has been a hard week.  She taught me how important it is too live each day and enjoy every moment. Yesterday, my husband was very sad, so I brought home fresh picked strawberries, opened the windows to let the glorious day in and listened to the birds singing. We are alive and we will enjoy our days as Lisa would have wanted us to. 

[kianhu]

I dont even know what to say but that is so sad.   

[jbeany]

 

[Sluff]

I know how hard this is to go through. Please know that we are here for you and we are with you as you journey through this difficult time.

I'm glad you were able to say your goodbyes, and hope you find some consolation in that. 

[Sara]

I'm very sorry.   

[Joe Paul]

So sad, my sympathies to you and your husband. 

[glitter]

very sad, but I take heart in your attitude....my sympathies to you both

[Earlinda]

Dearest Paris,

First I want to say how sorry I am that your sister-in-law Lisa passed away.  I would give you and your husband and brother hugs if I could and I hope that the ones I am sending in thought are reaching you.  I have endured many losses in the past few years and I wish I could say that missing those you love gets easier but so far for me it hasn't.  I have come to terms with my losses though and have accepted that life just has to be that way sometimes.  I hope that you continue to open those windows and live life because yes that is exactly what Lisa would want you to do.  She wouldn't want you to be sad or stop living life.  The way I see it heaven has another glorious angel.

Much Love,
Earlinda 

[lola]

 

[okarol]

How nice of you to honor her.
    I am sorry she's gone.
Sending hugs your way - 

[susie q]

Sorry for your loss.. 

[goofynina]

Paris,  I am so sorry for your loss, God Bless you and your family 

[thegrammalady]

may the road rise up to meet you
may the wind be always at your back
may the rain fall soft upon your fields
and until we meet again
may God hold you in the palm of his hand

may you find peace

[Amanda From OZ]

I'm sorry for your loss.. 

[Kathleen]

The Dash

by Linda Ellis



I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
From the beginning to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth
And spoke of the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time
That she spent alive on earth
And now only those who loved her
Know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own,
The cars, the house, the cash,
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard;
Are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left
That can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough
To consider what's true and real
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect
And more often wear a smile,
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.

So when your eulogy is being read
With your life's actions to rehash
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your dash?

© 1996 Linda Ellis

[Laurie]

Paris, I'm so sorry for your loss 

[Jill D.]

E - so sorry for your loss of Lisa. Hugs and love to you and your husband 

[Black]

I am so sorry for your loss.  Lisa was lucky to have such a wonderful sister-in-law.  I know your husband appreciates your kind and generous heart.

I lost my younger brother to cancer in 2002, so I can empathize with you far too much. 

[paris]

Dear Friends, Thank you all for you kind words. It felt so good to read your posts. It was a hard week-end, but we gathered as a family to celebrate and honor Lisa.  She was the perfect hostess and gave the best parties.  So, her last weeks she spent planning her last party!  She hired the caterer, planned the menu, had a protrait taken to have at the memorial, and asked her daughter to take her large Beanie baby collection to the reception so everyone could have a "party favor" to take home! They had small tags engraved "with love, Lisa" and tied them around each Beanie baby. An extraordinary woman, mother, wife and grandmother.  She has a new grand-daughter due in September -- so life goes on. Thank you for letting me share this with you. It has helped me just to write about her.  There are many days I don't know how I would cope with life if I didn't have this place to come to.  Thanks Epoman!  I hope you and Lisa get to meet!!!!

[Sluff]

I'm glad everyone could see past the sorrow of losing such a wonderful woman, and celebrate the life, rather than the death.

[anja]

  My deepest condolences to you and your husband and the rest of Lisa's family.  What a strong person she was and so selfless to the end, planning her own memorial party.  The beanie babies were a thoughtful touch.  She must be very missed by all who knew her!

[Falkenbach]

Dear Lisa - may you rest in peace and be free from pain.

Dear Paris - Lisa was lucky to have you and your family at her side till the end. Bless you.