My Sister's Keeper

Late last night, okay more like early this morning, I decided to watch "My Sister's Keeper". I kind of had an idea what the movie was about, but not exactly. Any time I watch a movie about someone with cancer, it brings back A LOT of memories of my little brother Daniel.

I come from a family of 7 kids where I am the oldest. The youngest are twin boys -- Brian and Daniel. At the age of 14 Daniel was diagnosed with Osteo-sarcoma(bone cancer). He passed away a few weeks after his 16th birthday. That would be 10 years ago. It was a difficult time for all of us.

This movie brought back many memories of him. Memories such as:
--Daniel losing his hair from his chemo treatment.
--Many times Daniel just laid in bed watching tv. The many visits up to Primary Children's Hospital.
--Kicking it up at the hospital with family and friends that would visit him.
--The many calls we'd make from San Antonio, TX just to hear how he's doing and talks.
--Leaving Soni and Nohe'a in SLC to hang out with their Uncle Daniel.
--His 9th grade promotion where he got a standing ovation from everyone present.
--The uncontrollable nose bleeds.
--Daniel ordering Domino's pizza just so we can eat it during our many visits to the hospital.
--Soni laying in bed with him holding his hand. Soni was only 2 years old at the time.
--Mom getting upset, frustrated, stressed...and the scenes from the movie reminded me of my mom--just doing all that she can to help him.

I could go on and on...but as I try and recall the memories, my eyes just fill up with tears. Watching someone die from cancer (or any life threatening illness) has got to be the hardest thing ever. You know that person is going to die, but nothing ever prepares you for that day. To make it even harder, Daniel left behind his twin Brian. There are times when I see this little brother of mine and wonder what it would be like if Daniel was still around. However, I know without a doubt that he is in a better place. A place where we are working to get to. I forever love and miss you Daniel.

As for the movie -- I don't know if I could watch it again. I did enjoy it, but cried too many times throughout.

Here are a few pics of my little brother Daniel:

From a wedding we were in years ago. Brian on the left and Daniel on the right.


One of my favorite pictures! Nohe'a, Soni, Daniel and nephew Spencer on Daniel's lap.


Special gift given to our family from the Blodgett family. My co-worker Dan Blodgett's little brother Marques was diagnosed with bone cancer around the same time Daniel was diagnosed. He too was the same age, same leg and all. A few times when Daniel was doing chemo up at Primary Children's they roomed next to each other. Liz (Marques' mom) had an artist draw this picture and she presented it to my mom on Mother's Day. The most memorable gift ever received. Daniel passed away on August 19, 1999 and later that year in November, Marques passed away.

The picture above is available for purchase HERE. Be sure to check out some of her other artwork. She is a talented artist!