Since we were children my sister Chelle and I have been pretty close. Although we are 4 years apart, there were times of normal separation because of our age. When I was first diagnosed she was only about 3 or 4 years old so she had no way of grasping the full extent of what was really wrong with me. Years went by, and along with the normal taunting and sibling rivalry, we managed to always be friends. As adults we have grown closer than ever and have children all around the same age, which helps keep the family dynamic going. When I first wrote my book and had it published, I had not shared it with anyone in my family other than my writing coach and my husband, so handing it to her was special to me. I did not really know that the impact of this story was going to be so strong for both her and my older brother. She read the story and told me she cried all the way through. We had not realized in as many years as it had been since I was so very ill, that Chelle never really knew what was really going on. She could not have, being so very young and then life just continued. For us, it was normal for me to be absent from the family for long periods of time in the hospital and then come home to be doted over because I was so very frail
. As adults, she now understands what I went through and continue to go through. Chelle, you may not realize this but I consider you one of my heroes. You survived a troubled childhood with me always being ill. For years, you have owned your own business. You juggle two kids and a husband and everything in between. There are times we may not speak too often but without a word being said, our bond and love for one another is always there. We would do anything for each other and I thought I would share my feelings with the world. Chelle, I love you through thick and thin, and all the stuff in-between. You are admired by me with all you have accomplished and will continue to accomplish throughout your life. Thanks for being your crazy, funny self. Don’t change a thing little Chelle.
