Sisters, Sisters-There were never such devoted sisters...

Dear Katie,

I have two favorite memories with you while I was sick. (Interspersed, of course, with many other lovely ones.) First, is just a heart-to-heart we had one day about anything and everything. It was just nice. I think it was when Jared was gone and I was holding sweet Graham and just thinking how much I would miss you and our talks. (Incidentally, I should also thank you for having a son who was so calm that I could hold and cuddle him post surgeries when the other kiddos had to be kept at a safe distance lest their enthusiasm injure me. I really needed baby cuddles during this time. Definite healing properties.)

My other favorite memory was when you gave me the best pedicure I've ever had in my life. This was after my first surgery and I had already done a lot of staring at my unsightly toenails (a natural consequence of lots of free-time, a hunched over posture, and the inability to reach ones feet). It was such a relief to look down and see perfectly manicured toes. I felt feminine for the first (and last) time in a long time. And I needed that. I was under the mistaken impression that when I started chemo my nails would stop growing and I thought, "this beautiful pedicure is going to last forever!" It didn't; but it was still awesome and every time I paint my toenails now I think of how carefully and thoughtfully you took care of me. And I love that. And I love you.

<3
Sam


(The Alisa Post is under construction.)

"Presidente! are you my doctor?"

Querido Presidente y Hermana Jones,

I remember fighting my way awake after surgery and hearing my mom tell a very familiar voice that I had cancer. This was news to me (granted, I had my suspicions) and I remember being torn between wanting to find out more about this cancer diagnosis and wanting to figure out who that voice belonged to. Imagine my delight (and shock!) to realize it was Presidente Jones! The only explanation I could come up with was that you were my doctor; which you very graciously corrected. You brought Hermana Jones by later, (a most excellent gift) and the loveliness from you both continued from there. In addition to the notes and calls you continued to drop by the hospital whenever I had surgeries. You chatted with me about scriptures and gave me blessings. And perhaps the loveliest thing of all, you checked up on a mutual friend I was worried about (and took lovely care of her too) and gave my parents somewhere to stay so they could have a break from the less-than luxurious couch in my hospital room. I still remember how much relief I felt when I found out they'd get a chance to sleep in a real bed and relax a little. I get all weepy just thinking about it.

You were so busy and so thoughtful. I'll always be grateful for your continued example of love and service and faith and optimism. You've served me in many more ways than this of course, but this blog I'll leave those thank you letters for another time.

Con carino,
Hermana Schwartz