At the beginning of the year, after being cancer-free for 13 years, my sister Lori, heard the dreaded news–the cancer had returned. Initially, I shared this with just two or three close friends, soliciting their prayers. Out of respect for Lori’s privacy, I hadn’t talked about it much until I spilled to my penfriend Christine B, whose response prompted me to share Lori’s story with a group of my penfriends. They have been more than kind and supportive of me, and I knew they would embrace my sister and let her know that there are people all over the world who are rooting for her, sending her good thoughts, and praying.
Some of them went even further and sent supportive cheer mail my way as well–including three sunflower cards painted just for me!
“Sisters Dancing” by Trang K
Trang watercolored two flowers dancing–a sunflower and a purple tulip–Lori’s favorite flower in her favorite color. Her written note expresses sweetly, as only Trang can:
May you always dance to the sweetness of life in all its glory and fill your heart with everlasting joy and love.
“Time for Watercolor” by Christine B.
With her busy summer schedule, Christine B took the time to watercolor a new cheerful sunflower for my wall.
“A Note of Peace and Love” by Connie F.
Connie’s sunflower brightened a gloomy day. She slipped a beautiful bookmark (to be shared later) and a quote into the envelope with her sunflower:
It’s all about finding the calm in the chaos. –Donna Karan
Knowing who God is makes horrific trials bearable. Lori is a bit more challenged this time around, but her faith is sure. Sometimes, it seems that worry is all I can do, but from her, I’m learning more and more not to worry. Her path isn’t easy, but through faith and fervent prayer, I can be a calming presence in the chaos of the journey just for her.
To my penfriends–Lori has received your beautiful expressions of love, hope, courage, grace, peace, and faith. We are incredibly moved by your sacred act of giving. Thank you, Christine, Trang, Lisa, Paige, Debra, Jennifer, Lori-Anne, Louise, Arielle, Sheila L, Connie, Suzette, Jacki, Gina, Andrea, Fran, Litsa, and Cricket. You have wrapped our hearts in love and have served as tangible evidence of God.
Hugs to you…
Pics and Posts 
Praying for your sister and for you and your family, too. I am a 13 years breast cancer survivor. Every year, I pray and wait for the results of my annual mammogram. Once you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, life is different. Thank you for sharing about your sisters.
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Thank you for your prayers and for sharing a little of your own story. I’m praying for you too and sending you hugs.
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Hopes and prayers, hugs and sunflowers, for Lori to recover, Chandra Lynn.
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Thank you! It means a lot. Hugs…
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So, so beautiful. Thanks Chandra 🌹🌺
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Thank you, LV! Hugs…
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Such sad news – thank you for sharing! Sending you a virtual hug and will add Lori nd you to my prayers. – God Bless!
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Thank you! Hugs…
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What a beautiful post. Your love for your sister is as bright as those sunflowers 🌻. Praying for you both.
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Thank you! Sending hugs…
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The love you’ve found and brought to this shine through your post and make me certain that you’ll find the the strength to meet this. Sending you and your sister both my good thoughts and wishes.
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Thank you, Ellen. You’re so sweet. Hugs…
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SENDING YOU BOTH HUGS AND WISHING YOU GOOD THOUGHTS
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Thank you, Dave. You know this journey well. I appreciate you.
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I am so sorry to here this news. Please know that your sister, you and your family are in my thoughts prayers. Faith is good medicine and can help smooth the path that is rough and scary. Love, hugs, and prayers. Laurie
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Laurie, I missed your comment–more than a month ago! Thank you for thoughts and prayers and for dropping by to give a hug. I’ll look for your email address, so I can share an update. Hugs…
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