Her Arrow

One of Craig’s favorite quotes ever is “An arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward. So when life is dragging you back with difficulties, it means that it’s going to launch you into something great. So just focus, and keep aiming.” I have no idea where this quote originated from but I love the fact that it comes up often when our family faces adversity in life, whether big or small.

Recently my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer, this dreadful disease that touches so many lives had hit home. I never questioned if my sister would make it through, or how she would face this obstacle in her life. I just knew without a doubt that she would face it head on, back straight ready to just completely kick it’s ass. And that she did y’all! After a ten hour surgery where she had a double mastectomy with reconstruction from her thighs, she woke up cancer free!

Thirteen hours after I hugged her neck and told her to go kick ass I was finally escorted to the recovery area where I got to lean over her and tell her how proud I was of her, she told me in response that she wanted to brush her teeth. If you know my sister you wouldn’t be surprised that this was one of her very first thoughts. As I walked the maze back to the waiting area past all of the other patients and families I was completely and totally overwhelmed at the fact that she was now cancer free, that she had faced this beast head on and didn’t flinch. She had her moments, some I faced with her through texts and phone calls and some I’m sure were completely in private, but she never backed down. She never felt sorry for herself or questioned why. She just kept pushing through making sure everything was taken care of so she could move forward.

I have a big sister that has been brave and strong for me many times in my 44 years, but never have I seen such strength and courage as these last few months, she aimed her arrow not only for herself but for all of us.