Hi Family-just thought I'd share some priceless memories with you all. Today, 12 years ago, the Monday after Easter Sunday, I was starting chemotherapy in Minneapolis. I will never forget how nervous I was to start this part of my cancer journey after the surgery to remove the cancer. Dan-remember your upbeat motto? Cancer Free by 3:00-That simple phrase did more for me than you can ever know.
Shelly-you are so sweet!!! You know what makes your sister happy-My love of FOOD 
You motivated me that first morning of chemo by telling me you would be going to your job at 'Uptown' to pick me up turkey with mashed potatoes and gravy. I was so pumped! When you came back, I gobbled it down, thinking I was going to be one of those patients that can handle chemo like a pro. Unfortunately, I was so ill a couple days after the steroids wore off, I couldn't imagine eating such a big meal. I don't know if I ever told you Shelly, but I couldn't eat turkey with mashed potatoes and gravy for two years. Just the thought of it made me gag. Bless your soul for the thoughtful lunch that day. You gave me motivation on a very scary day. I enjoyed that meal so much before the nausea set in. I want you to know what your presence and gesture of buying me lunch that first day of chemo, meant to me. Thank you, Thank You, Thank You, Sweet Sister 
You motivated me that first morning of chemo by telling me you would be going to your job at 'Uptown' to pick me up turkey with mashed potatoes and gravy. I was so pumped! When you came back, I gobbled it down, thinking I was going to be one of those patients that can handle chemo like a pro. Unfortunately, I was so ill a couple days after the steroids wore off, I couldn't imagine eating such a big meal. I don't know if I ever told you Shelly, but I couldn't eat turkey with mashed potatoes and gravy for two years. Just the thought of it made me gag. Bless your soul for the thoughtful lunch that day. You gave me motivation on a very scary day. I enjoyed that meal so much before the nausea set in. I want you to know what your presence and gesture of buying me lunch that first day of chemo, meant to me. Thank you, Thank You, Thank You, Sweet Sister
Laura-thanks for all the time you spent with me, even though you were starting a new business cleaning houses at the time. I was able to persuade you out of some of my doctor appointments so you could make some money for your family, but there was no way to talk you out of it on my first day of chemo. I thank you and your kids for all your love and support. Moving in with you and kids after my diagnosis gave me purpose and hope. I thank God I have you as a twin sister and your babies (my babies too) in my life. I honestly believe that if I wasn't sent here with you, I would not have the motivation, purpose and hope to go through the difficult journey of the cancer diagnosis.
Dan-Bless you for all the times you came over to bring me to late night doctor visits when my blood levels were affecting my health and Laura was working or had to be home with her kids. I also want to make sure you know how grateful I was/am- before I knew I had cancer that you came over and brought me to your house. I had been incredibly anxious all day and didn't know what was wrong with me. I couldn't sit down and was pacing about my apartment. You and Daren came over and brought me to your house. After trying many tricks to settle me down, including hopping in your hot tub, you couldn't watch me suffer anymore and decided to bring me to E.R.-I want you to know that the decision you made to bring me in, started the whole process of ma
king me realize that something was very wrong with me. I know you are another piece of why I am writing this email after twelve years of being diagnosed. Thank you dear brother
king me realize that something was very wrong with me. I know you are another piece of why I am writing this email after twelve years of being diagnosed. Thank you dear brother
P.S.-My dear Laura, Shelly and Dan-I want you all to know after twelve years, that I know God gave you each a special job to help me heal and get through that scary time. You all shared your individual gifts with me, and I can never thank you all enough. There are just No Words. Please know how much your love in action meant to me. I will Never Forget it!
Love your Sister Linda-I am so blessed to have my family.
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