My Sister Sharon, My Inspiration

I have something I want to share with everyone. Some of you know my sister Sharon died from breast cancer. What you don't know is that she was a great writer. I have read her thoughts before but now they have a whole new meaning to me. When I would read them I would always think about what she must have been going through at the time, and now I know. She was an inspiration to me and to everyone around her. Here is something that I came across that I can relate to in certain ways. I know I have some friends out there that have had mastectomies that will find this a great inspiration. It is called Self Love.

Today I will make friends with the area of my body that has been through surgery. I will look at myself in the mirror and not think of myself as disfigured just because I look different.

I will focus on the fact that once, where there used to be a mound of flesh, there is now a flatter more hollow surface that, when touched, puts me that much closer to my heart and soul.

 I will realize that yes, I do look different, and yes, it does take some getting used to, but I am alive. I AM ALIVE.

What was taken from me in the desperate chance to prolong my life has given me, in return, a whole new sense of how precious and short life is, and that now is the time to re-evaluate how I want to spend the rest of my precious time here on this earth.

When I get dressed and walk from this room to greet this new day, I will so it with pride and self-love. Most of all, I will feel so grateful that I have gained a whole new insight about my life, and that from here and now I will begin making the most of it.

Written by Sharon L. Shank Copyright 1997 (Please use only with permission)

My sister Sue compiled Sharon’s writings after she died and gave a copy to my mom, and my other sister Pam. What wonderful memories we have of our sister. I have so many more to share that I will be posting soon. Thanks. Hope you like it. Trish