I wanted to learn Spanish because I was tired of listening to all my co-workers talking and wonder what they were saying. I called my sister and told her I needed to take a class at the college, but I was home with kids and couldn't register and the deadline was coming up fast. She told me, "don't worry...I'll take care of your registration." I have my Spanish Associate Degree today because my sister took the first step for me. Not 'just another day'. There was another time I remember...I had applied for a job that required a typing certificate. I was a horrible typ-er. My sis kept telling me - "you can do this - if I can get through chemo, you can do this!" Of course getting the certificate was a little shaky, and she went with me to pick it up and guess what, I got the job because she helped me do it!...not 'just another day'.
The photo is so perfect of my sister, smack in the middle of the runners for the 'Race for the Cure', my daughter will tell you just how loud of a cheerleader she is...she would shout: 'Come ON ! Let's move it!' You would think that the cancer patient would be the one NEEDING the cheerleading, but nooo, not my sister, she was the best cheerleader and coach for US! She even took my daughter on a Dr. Suess 'fun-run' one time, just the two of them, because I had to work. The day was saved by her...not, 'just another day'!
Diane has been through a bit of challenges, maybe that is why she is low-key. I am sure nothing in life would ever surprize her, or catch her 'off guard' because she has seen it ALL! I shared my room with Di when we were growing up. I was always glad for that because she was the oldest and had a job, we always had the nicest stuff in our room! Diane took me to a carnival for my 7th Birthday. I remember her trying all the midway games to win a toy for me. It was that same night our Pontiac got T-boned by a drunk driver...not 'just another day'. I remember her borrowing a friends car so she could get her hair done and the accelerator got stuck on the freeway - I saw evasive driving at its very best! Diane has always taken care of all of us, she has been the house-keeper, the cook, the keeper of secrets, the trail-blazer and definitely the SURVIVOR. I remember a moment at work, shortly after Randy died, she just broke down and balled. I felt so helpless. It was not 'just another day' I don't know how she survived, but she has. I'll never forget riding in the ambulance with her (I've never before done that) how she taught me everything about the lab and how she would 'just know' how to fix things, nor will I forget all the wonderful meals she made for us. My favorites are her LASAGNE, TACOS (two-fork method please) and of course, the now famous CHICKEN DIANE.
My dear sister, thanks for letting me be the little sister that you look out for still! Thanks for the honor of watching you not only survive, but WIN many many races, marathons, and other events (most recently all the Daliah prizes!). Thanks for helping me get this job. I can never repay you. Remember the day late in April when I came to work and I just started balling and cried "I don't want you to LEAVE!!?" I miss you so much...but I feel as close to you as ever. I wish you a wonderful birthday and if it's 'just another day'...well then, look out world, because you never know how wonderful and bright the day will be! All my love, big hugs and warmth to you on your birthday! Thank you for all the inspirational things that you continue to do everyday for our family!
