Mom's Advice- "Lori, now that you have had 2 rounds of chemo, your immune system may be weakened. You should really try to avoid the crowded places...like WOODFIELD MALL!"
Lori's solution- "I guess I have to just shop at the small boutiques!"
Dearest Hope,
On Good Friday, Lori and I met at Woodfield for some retail therapy. It had been almost 2 weeks since her hair loss and as she told me she was pretty OVER the wig. So I was not surprised when I met her there and she was sporting her Burberry scarf. What surprised me most was my reaction to it. I became strangely aware of other people looking at her and found myself very protective of Lori regarding what these gawkers were thinking when they looked at her. Each person's reaction was unique but had some similarities..they would look at her scarf and it would register that she is bald...which would then register that she is undergoing cancer treatment...then they would gaze down at her protruding belly and put 2 and 2 together and there was just enough time for me to catch a glimpse of their shock.
I am sure Lori knew and felt this unwanted attention but seemed pretty unaffected by it as she threw off her scarf in the middle of Nordstrom to try on a hat. Or as she mumbled to herself how hungry she was at Hanna Andersson and the sales lady came running at her offering a piece of candy. (she happily accepted because she was THAT hungry) Lori just went on with the day, the only care in her sight was where she was going to buy her next great deal.
So as the day went on I felt my feelings drastically shift. I went from thinking... "DON"T YOU DARE LOOK AT MY SISTER" to... "PLEASE, I BEG OF YOU, LOOK AT THIS WOMAN!" For she is the finest example of grace and courage. Stare as long as you need to so that you can learn from her that whatever life throws at you, whatever challenges you encounter, you have a divine power to overcome it. Lucky for me, I got to "stare" at her all day long and I am a changed person because of it.
Dear Lyra,
ReplyDeleteWhen I heard the news about Lori from my dad, I didn't know what to think or do, I wanted to call your dad a few times but I just didnt know what to say. Please tell Lori that she and her family are in my prayers every day. She's so lucky to have you by her side. SISTER POWER!!! Give her a big hug from all her Alhambra cousins!!! How do I purchase the Bracelets, I want to get one for all the girls here in the Alhambra Clan (for me,Kelly, April, Angel, and their five girls) We love you, STAY STRONG!!! WE SHALL OVERCOME!!! Love, Ate Merlyn email sweetflours1@yahoo.com
This is a wonderful website and everything is so well written. I love it.
ReplyDeleteHi Lyra,
ReplyDeleteI went to high school with Lori.
I have been following your blog since I learned of Lori's diagnosis. It's such a sweet thing to do for your sister. I am thinking about her a lot and hope she is doing ok. She looks great in the picture you just posted after your day of shopping. She is just as beautiful as she was during our Boylan days. I am keeping her in my prayers.
The bracelets are a great idea, too!
-Nancy Pienkosz
It wouldn't be Lori without an armful of shopping bags and that HUGE smile!! The bracelets arrived safely in Germany, Thanks Lyra! My mom will mail you a check this weekend! Can't wait to read your next entry! When do you need the picture with the bracelet? Since Lori won't be able to attend my wedding in July, my idea was to wear it with my wedding dress as my something blue and take the picture then! What do you think?! Julie P
ReplyDeletelyra, thank you so much for sharing this blog with me. i read the first few entries and my heart is so full of hope and amazement in lori... this is so beautifully written and touching. so moving. i look forward to having some time to enjoy reading through everything and checking in often- thank you again. thinking of you so so often, lori.
ReplyDeleteallie
Hi Lyra--I heard about Lori's diagnosis and this blog on Facebook, just wanted to say that we are thinking and praying for Lori, Tim and your family! I am so inspired by Lori's attitude and courage. Please pass on some good thoughts from a fellow Boylan and IWU alum!
ReplyDeleteTake care and thanks for sharing Lori's journey.
-Jen (Contarino) Panning
I am a friend of April Alhambra Sarreal's and I was very touched by your story.. I would love to purchase 5 bracelets... Please email me to let me know how to send you the money..
ReplyDeleteReading your sister's current update is amazing and just reminds me how the power of prayer and family love is what one needs to live life daily. Blessings..
Gina
gpizzitola@hotmail.com