My Sister Rhonda

Rhonda is the fourth child and fourth girl in my original family. She is 4 1/2 years younger than me, she is 46.

I left home when she was 12.

What I remember the most about our childhood is that she and I plus our brother Dan, were a three-some against the other 3 siblings who were first borns of the three couples. She was always cooperative and supported my leadership of our gang.

She opted to work rather than continue in highschool at an engraving company. She eventually started her own engraving business and until just last month has had it in operation on a website and shop outlet.

She has been married for over 20 years and has three children, twin boys age 20 and a daughter age 11. They live in Missouri.

After I left the house, I really didn't get to know her very well. Our history together has been marked by antagonism and misunderstanding. Our talks have been short and our times of seeing each other has been few.

In the last few weeks, things have changed. She called out of concern for our dad who was very ill and refusing to go to a doctor. Not giving in to her idea of getting involved in the situation, she accused me of being out of touch with our family and proceeded to let me know she would no longer contact me with family problems. A week later when my dad checked into the hospital on his own, she checked into the hospital 2 days later with a severe headache and lack of muscle control. There she was diagnosed with lung and brain cancer.

Since then she is grasping for life and answers. She has asked me for forgiveness for being angry and jealous with me. She is freaked out about what is happening and what she is going to do.

Unlike others who are in the same situation, I feel like Rhonda and I have the same skin, the same blood. She is like my daughter Halley, to me, so I see her as my daughter. My connection with her is very close. We are talking now, as if we have been caring on as intimate friends all along. I am very concerned for her and am crying out to God for her life and his glory.

She is on my heart and mind right now....