The Women

This is a true story, taking place right now, that defines Sisterhood........

Sherry is a terminal cancer patient. She was in a hospice for several weeks, but decided that she’d rather die at home with family and friends by her side. That is her wish. She didn’t know she was going to be spoiled and pampered!

Each day around dawn, Tess goes to see Sherry. Some mornings she fixes breakfast for her; some mornings and afternoons they sit and talk, and recall stories; still other mornings….... they just sit and be still together. Tess is there no matter what.
Soon after she leaves, Joyce arrives. Joyce is very intuitive and precious…..
she gives Sherry hour long foot massages. Sherry has never had anyone give her massages before, and she just loves the feeling and relaxation.

Each day at some point, Sharon arrives with fresh cut wild flowers and places them where Sherry can see them from her bed in the living room.
She prepares meals that the whole family can share, and she shows Sherry photos from her weekends in nature. Sherry loves the pictures and can’t wait to see what’s next.

Rosemary is there daily…... some times for hours on end. Rosemary is a kind and gentle soul. She sits and talks softly with Sherry… listening with her heart to everything that Sherry has to say. And sometimes she sits quietly while Sherry naps.

Tanya comes over each day….... running errands, keeping Sherry company, and just there to be a friend.

A lady from the Hospice program was there 2 days ago…..
she’s a harpest. She played with such grace and ease and each note was from Heaven….... filling the house with angelic sounds that soothed to the very core of each of us. It was amazing to hear such beauty. That woman is incredibly gifted and giving.

Sherry cries sometimes…..... she knows she is dying and she’s in pain. But often her tears are of joy and awe, that so many women take time from their own lives, to gently sit with her and comfort her…. and just be there for her.
That is sisterhood…...... caring for one another, feeding one another, laughing together, being peaceful together, smiling at one another when we enter the home. Often words are not exchanged, just a smile and nod of the head. Sherry always gets a kiss and hug from each lady who visits.
She won’t be with us much longer. It hurts the heart to know that we are going to loose such a sweet soul. Someone who has touched our lives, each one of us carrying the gentleness and strength that Sherry has given to us over the years.

We’re each taking turns…....giving respit to her husband, and caring in so many different ways for a lady whom we all love. A lady whom we cherish and enjoy so very much.

That is Sisterhood~

(Sherry passed this afternoon…. just a few hours after this was written 1943-2009)

  • Jan Landers

    Jan Landers

    how beautifully written, shiloh….and the true meaning of sisterhood…..touches the heart, this does….you are all blessed to have found this connection of love….

  • shilohlin replied

    I cherish your friendship my friend, with peace and love in my heart…... thank you~

  • lianne

    lianne

    So profound Shiloh – and indeed the meaning of friendship, sisterhood, more importantly, love. A testament to all of you bound in this circle of connection, circle of love. This is so personally meaningful to me – beautiful, if so very sad.

  • shilohlin replied

    yes, it is sad…. but at the same time, it’s a comfort to us all, to share in this experience of deep emotion. I have witnessed the passing of many family members and close friends over the years….... but nothing like this. The coming together of so many, each bringing their own gift of beauty to this lady, each of us touched in a profound way by her. I’m in awe of the devotion

  • Katagram

    Katagram

    this connection will carry on long after we are all gone..we teach our children and they teach theirs..there truly are angels on Earth, and Sherry is the leader of this pack..good on you Shiloh to not only give this kind of love and friendship, but to receive and share it as well. You have pulled each of us into your circle today, and for that we should all be grateful..I know I am, of feeling this story as well as having you as my dear friend!!!

  • shilohlin replied

    thank you so much, my precious friend, for feeling this and knowing the impact of the heart…..
    your words have touched my soul. I know you will all be there for me, when this difficult day arrives…..most importantly, she will know that she is loved and cherished and that will carry her through the next transission~

  • tkrosevear

    tkrosevear

    the best gift of all is always LOVE, beautifully written, shared and respected Shiloh ;) xoxox ♥ Cheers to the sisterhood!!!

  • shilohlin replied

    and it was with a great deal of love surrounding her, that she passed this afternoon….. peacefully, smoothly, and without any pain.
    thank you tk…. it truely is LOVE which carries us through this life, and from one step to the next xox

  • pixie3

    pixie3

    Sniffle Hun this is so beautifully written!! No matter how much you prepare yourself for a loss you are never really ever prepared. A part of us truly do wish that she will have a miracle and go into remission. I am so sorry that you have lost a beautiful friend and woman but pleas know that she is never truly lost because you guys keep her alive with the memories!! I wish I could be there to give you a huge hug and tell you how much I truly appreciate you and your love for life!!

  • shilohlin replied

    sorry for the delay, I just saw your comment…. thank you sweet lady for your comforting words. I cherish your friendship so very much and I love you dearly.
    thank you~

  • tkrosevear

    tkrosevear


    FEATURE

  • shilohlin

    shilohlin

    I am truly honored and deeply touched my friend….thank you!! xox

  • NoraFraser

    NoraFraser 27 days ago

    yes a dear friend of mine also died of cancer thanksgiving 2008—you are gifted

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