How wonderful that her church family is so supportive! That is amazing. And I believe it shows what a beautiful person CJ is. This is hard. It has been for a while, but I imagine it's harder now because it seems like it's close and because the deterioration in her is more visible and painful to watch. I just pray for God's peace to surround her and to fill you (her family) in that way that surpasses all understanding. I pray that somewhere, everyday, God gives you a moment of joy in something, to hold on to and to get you through. And I continue to give thanks for the miracle of the time and treasures she's been given. God bless you Debi.

CJ died a couple of hours ago. relatively speaking, it was pretty quick. She passed out on Thursday, went into hospice on Friday and gone today. She lived an independent and enjoyable life up until Thursday ... meaning no pain or discomfort like you expect cancer patients to have.

Her son will fly up from Texas and arrive on Thursday.

I think I'm just kinda going thru the motions right now.....

Debi - - so sorry to hear this. You and your family are in my prayers.

Oh Indy

I am so very sorry for your incredible loss. Take comfort, at least try, in the fact, that you were blessed with so much unexpected time with your sister and that it went relatively fast in the end and she did not have to suffer that long. CJ is up there now, looking down at you and yours and a part of her will always be with you and her son.

Sending you some cyberhugs all the way from China

Oh Debi, I'm so so sorry. I know that seems weak, but I truly am. I wish there was more I could say or do for you. It is relieving that she didn't really have physical pain for most of the time of her illness. There's a song I discovered that did something for me after my husband's aunt died of breast cancer (we were really close). It is a song by Mandisa called Andy's Song, and it's sung as if by the person who had died and I found it so comforting.

Sorry the song's title is actually You Wouldn't Cry (Andrew's Song).

My sympathies to you and your family. Thank you for sharing her courageous life with us.

I am so sorry for your and your family's loss.

So sorry Debi

We never met your sister.
If you had not posted, we would never have heard of her or had a chance to learn of her courage, her incredible positive spirit and her humour. We would not have shared your pain at her situation or your joy when her time appeared extended. We would not have gathered together in spirit, sending you our virtual hugs, positive thoughts, tears and countless prayers.We are together, hurting for you now, but thanking you for sharing a small part of an amazing woman with all of us.

I'm so sorry, Debi, but am glad you two had such a wonderful relationship all those years.

I am so sorry for your loss Debi. My thoughts are with you and your family. Thank you for sharing the story of your sister.

I am so sorry for your loss.

Debi,
I am so sorry for the loss of your sister. From your stories we learned what a courageous and amazing woman she was. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Thanks to all of you for your love and support.

Spuddysmom, those words are very very kind and comforting. Thank you.

I am sorry for your loss. Is there some organization we can make a donation to, in your sister's memory? A church, an animal shelter?

I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

(((Hugs)))

I'm very sorry for your loss, Debi.

My prayers are with you and your family.

Oh, no, Debi! All the ups and downs, all the prayers, pleadings, and hopes, and God had another plan. I'm so sorry she is gone from this world and look forward to meeting her in the next.

Dear Debi

I am so sorry to hear of CJ's passing. You and your family have been and will still be in my prayers.

I am so sorry to hear that Debi. At least she was able to pass peacefully

My thoughts are with you.

I'm very sorry for your loss.

I am so sorry for your loss. I am glad she didn't suffer. You and your family are in my prayers.

I've just read this whole thread. What a story! I'm so happy and so sad that you had all the ups and downs, and that your sister finally passed

I lost my aunt (we were so very close) to breast cancer a few years ago, and I'm so happy that you say your sister went peacefully, as I remember the pain and discomfort my aunt went through. By the end, its more a blessing they've departed because you hate seeing them in pain.

It doesnt get easier, I wish I could say otherwise. My mom still misses her sister (they were even closer) and the pain we feel never goes away, but there is a beautiful poem that helped me:

You can shed tears that she is gone,

or you can smile because she has lived.

You can close your eyes and pray that shell come back,

or you can open your eyes and see all shes left.

Your heart can be empty because you cant see her,

or you can be full of the love you shared.

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,

or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember her only that she is gone,

or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.

You can cry and close your mind,

be empty and turn your back.

Or you can do what shed want:

smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

tokazodo, here is a link to the obit info:

http://www.smithmcquiston.com/obits/obituary.php?id=142257

Again .... thanks for all of the comments and support. I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of emotion. She was definitely a "George Bailey" and impacted so many in her lifetime.

So sorry to hear of your sister's passing Debi. I didn't always post, but was always thinking of you and her and your family dealing with everything. My dad passed away a few years ago from cancer - it's something no family should have to go through. I'm glad for her sake and your family's that she was not in pain.

I will continue to keep you and your family in my thoughts.

~Chelle

My sincere sympathy and prayers for you, your sister and your family.

Oh, Debi I'm so sorry.

I have also been following this thread, kept you and your sister and family in my thoughts. I just never seem to find words to show sympathy the right way (I wish I could write like Spuddysmom).

I am so sorry you lost your sister. Thank you for sharing about her on this forum. You and your family will remain in my thoughts.

I'm very sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to you and your family, Debi.