Big Box of Love

If you read my sister's blog, you have heard the news. It sucks doesn't it? It's unfair. It's unbelievable. It's devastating. It's shocking. It's news that brings dread. Fear. Anger. Confusion.

It's breast cancer.

And fate pointed her fickle finger at my sister.

I have so much to say about it all. But I find myself utterly speechless as well. When I heard the news, I just felt so helpless. It's my sister; when she's hurt, I'm hurt. When she's scared. I'm scared.

But now, let's get on with the good stuff. The positive stuff.

I am hereby acting as my one and only sissie's campaign manager. It is my job to bring joy, happiness, delight, and whimsy to our dear "Emmy" on a daily basis. She will have so much of the other aforementioned emotions that she will need some levity.

I am requesting some help from all of you.

I have lots of ideas brewing for how to help my sister and her family through this difficult time. Major surgery will require help with food, chores, kid wrangling, and the managing of a household. For now though, I'm asking all of you to put a little something special in the mail, address it to me, and add your voice to the big box of love that I plan to deliver to my sister in the hospital. Specifically what am I asking for? Here is a list of ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

• cards telling her how pretty she is (we all know that a little ego stroking can go a long long way.)
  
  
• articles from magazines that are funny, inspiring, interesting, or just plain educational. Go ahead and just tear them right out of the magazine you're reading. Some good reading material is essential to a smooth recovery.
  
• Pictures. Funny pictures. Old ones. Ones snapped during good times had. Photos of my dear sissie looking pretty (like I said, the ego, a sensitive thing).
  
• Cds. Good ones please. No need for crappy music. Music makes the heart and soul happy. It's nice to have something to drown out pain or negative thoughts. It's nice to have something to fill long silences. Music makes you dance, cry, laugh, or reflect...things that need to happen for a speedy recovery.
  
• Treats. We like chocolate. Good dark chocolate. Oh wait, did I say "we"? I meant my sister (but I will be with her at times so I think it's important my tastes are satiated too, right?). She likes anything delicious. We trust you. Go ahead. Get to the kitchen.


• Special little packages with things you know might make her smile. A good book. A new lipstick. Some nail polish. Well, since you're pushing so hard, a really beautiful cashmere sweater, a great new robe, a gift certificate for new lingerie, yoga punch card. (Am I going overboard?)

You might be wondering why you can't just mail something to her directly. Well, of course you can, buzzkill, but it would be fun to participate in a communal effort to bring total joy to the one Mrs. Emily Provost. I plan to deliver the big box of love on her surgery date. I thought it would be fun to bring everything together, making it a day not only of pain and fear, but also a day full of magic and wonder.

I would post my address right here but that would be a bit too much exposure for my taste. If you need my address, just shoot me a comment with your e-mail and I'll e-mail you back. I'll get right back to you with where to send your envelope of goodness. (Did you just read that? I figured out how to allow comments again!)

I know all of this will be so greatly appreciated. My sister is brave, hilariously funny, and strong as an ox. But when you are free falling, even the mighty need some reassurance of a cushion beneath them. All of us together can offer the softest spot to land. While we can't make any of this go away, we can make it an experience worth moving through.

Again, get working on your words of love and get thee to the post office!