Sisters Don't Need Words:

She is your mirror, shining back at you with a world of possibilities. She is your witness, who sees you at your worst and best, and loves you anyway. She is your partner in crime; your midnight companion. Someone who knows when you are smiling or crying, even in the dark. She is your teacher, your defender – a listener, a counselor, and always a best friend. She is your sister. A few days ago I found out that my sister has thyroid cancer. It has traveled to her left and right lymph nodes in her throat, and possibly to the lymph nodes in her chest. The doctor said that thyroid cancer was the best kind of cancer to get. It can be taken care of by simply removing the thyroid.. Well, it’s not that simple. Cancer is cancer, and it is scary. She tries to keep her distance; She tries to stay emotionless, straight faced, but I know she’s scared. We’re all scared, and no matter how far she tries to stay, or how many times she declines my calls or ignores my texts. I feel her worry, her fear. I feel it under my skin, and inside my heart. She is my baby sister. From the time she was born, I have been her second mother. Her protector. Not just for her, but for all of my siblings. I’m the oldest, that’s what you’re supposed to do when you’re the oldest. I have always made her problems my problems. Her battles were my battles. If she was in need, I gave. If she was in trouble, I ran to her aid. That’s what big sisters do. Des is only 25 years old, the mother of two beautiful girls, and one of the strongest women I’ve ever known. I know everything will be okay, but I feel useless. Helpless. I keep thinking to myself, “How do I fix this. How do I make this go away.” I’m a big sister… and I’m afraid that this is the one thing I can’t make go away. I can’t take this pain from her, I can’t make this problem my problem. I can’t fight this battle for her, and it scares me. I love you.