Even though I heard my Sister’s words on the phone, it didn’t hit me until this morning, when the constant whirling and running around of my daily life subsided, and I read her name on the “Caring Bridge” website. It was like my stomach was squeezed into a vice, and suddenly, I couldn’t read through the tears in my eyes, or speak over the tender knot that had formed in my throat.

One of the most vibrant, energetic and spirited women in my life has been diagnosed with cancer- Leukemia to be specific. This is a woman who has devoted her life to helping others, started a business based upon bringing a smile or laughter to an elderly person’s life. This woman has always been there for all of the women in my family, from long walks with my Mother, being a confidante for my Sister, and sharing her assuring words and inspiring stories with me. This woman doesn’t merely ask “How are you?”, she genuinely wants to know how you are. I admire that in a person. I have always admired her.

In every endeavor that I have pursued, whether it was starting my own business, or becoming a wife and a mother, she was there to cheer me on, and to tell me that I can do it, and that she could see me being very successful. I fondly remember a long talk we had one day after I had my daughter, and I was new to being a stay-at-home mom. Though I loved my baby, I was having a difficult time with the monotony and sameness of the every day life. I recall her telling me that I am absolutely normal, and that the time that you are home with little children goes by in such a blink, so to enjoy the mundane, and the special times equally. I have tucked that little piece of advice in my heart, and I think about it every day. It doesn’t seem like that long ago, I was a twelve-year-old babysitting her children, and now they are grown adults!

I have always admired the closeness that she has with her children. I will  strive as a mother, to have the type of friendship and trust that she has with both of them. She is a parent, with rules and discipline, but she is also a friend and a soft place to land for her children. That is a delicate balance, being a parent and a friend to your kids, but I’m hoping that I can acquire her ability to do so.

I am incredibly inspired by her entrepreneurial spirit. When I was a teenager, she began a business that is based upon going into care homes for the elderly, and playing games with them, singing with them, listening to their stories, and bringing so much light and brightness into an otherwise overcast life. From her example, I know without a shadow of a doubt that I want to own my business, I want to love what I do, and I want to touch people’s lives- just like her.

Today, as I say healing prayers for her, and know in my heart that she has the strength, courage, power, and resiliency to get up and over this mountain, I am inspired to ask my friends and family, “How are you?”, and truthfully open up and listen to how they truly are. Today, I will stop and cherish a moment with my little kids, whether it’s watching my son navigate through a video game, or helping my daughter with her homework, I will appreciate it for the moment that it is, knowing that it is a fleeting one. Today, I will be thankful for having been inspired by such an incredible and empowering woman. Today, I know that this battle that she is waging will be fought with so many caring family members and friends that have been touched by her being in their lives.  For a woman with exceptional grace, unyielding care and concern for others, and powerful ability to help others to feel happiness, and realize their own dreams and abilities, I send healing wishes, loving thoughts, and endless gratitude. For Brenda.