Sunday, August 8, 2010

Request for prayers, good thoughts, and positive energy

Hello ladies,

I know some of you are aware that my sister has been having health issues. For all of your kind inquiries and well wishes, I thank you. I expect what is to come will be a long journey back to health for Claire. The first MRI detected a brain tumor. She will be going in for a second MRI tomorrow that utilizes dye.

She will be meeting with a specialist in two weeks. Then we will learn more about the exact situation with the tumor and her treatment options. While the appointment does seem like it's a long time away, this is standard procedure in the U.S.

The tumor has been causing complications that affect basic motor control. Claire can't stand without leaning against something solid to help support her. She can no longer walk regularly. She can only make it a short distance before needing to sit down. A walk across her backyard to visit the chickens will exhaust her. Her legs will start to tremor and she will lose her balance if she stands still or attempts to walk slowly. She can't remain standing long enough to take a shower or even to wash a dish.

My sister has been understandably very anxious dealing with these symptoms. Along with physical health, I also really wish for her to feel peace and be able to rest mentally as well.

I really believe that positive energy can create change and facilitate healing. For those of you who do pray, I request that you include my sister Claire in your prayers if that feels right to you. Meditation, good thoughts and well wishes are very appreciated at this time.



I am still planning on continuing with blogging. Painted Lady fingers is something I love working on. My sister reads my blog every day. If she can manage this with a brain tumor, I surely can find time to create a manicure and take photos she can see and enjoy.

Right now I am started to get caught up on preparing for giveaway drawings. The Nubar drawing will be posted late Wednesday night. I already have a helper in line. The others I will handle once a week thereafter. I have a couple new giveaways to launch as well. Keep an eye out for the first later in the week. I have a great time putting giveaways together and I am looking forward to it as soon as I have the time. I don't feel any pressure or sense of expectation. I just want to keep everyone updated.

I know all of you are good and understanding people. I am sure a few of might advise me to take some time off. My position right now is that I will do everything I can to help my sister. This week that will mean hanging out with her and her menagerie of dogs and chickens, a cat and a rabbit. It will involve taking her out for a canoe ride along the creek and staying up watching Japanese horror films. There will be late night phone chats and lots of laughter.

I will do my best to support my sister and I am thankful there are people to comfort and encourage me when I need it. My goal at this time is similar to what it always is: to recognize the beauty in each day. The difference now is the need to share it is stronger.

Happy painting ladies and lots of love to each of you.

49 comments:

  1. Best of luck to your sister.

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  2. Hi Diana
    i'm literally crying i'm so sorry to hear what Claire is going through I cant even begin to imagine what she,you and your family are going through atm,I often wonder why God puts the best of us through things like this,But I truly believe he only tests those who he knows are special,strong and will pull through. Apart of my religon is praying 5x a day and let me guarantee you that Claire,you and your family will be in each one of those prayers. May God bless Claire,you and your family. Tc xo

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  3. I'm really sorry to hear what's going on with your sister. I wish that she will get better soon. I'm glad she has as great sister as you are :) Much strength to you all!

    ~Duvessa

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  4. I'm sending some positive thoughts and energy towards you and your sister. I wish her well!

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  5. I feel for you...you will be in my prayers!!!

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  6. Wishing all the best for your sister!

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  7. Positive energy to all your family! I believe that all beauty in nature is healing and soothing, and I support your efforts of depicting that to your sister as well. Your blog and pictures gain strength to so many that never even voice their thoughts. I feel it through your writing it is a pleasure and never a chore for you to keep this blog. So glad you are there for your sister.

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  8. I'm praying for Claire and for your whole family... I know what you're going through. Wishing your sister to be strong and your family to be strong enough too, to help her to win ths fight.
    Peace to all of you.
    Be happy and smile more, no matter what.

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  9. Sending so many positive thoughts and good vibes your way! Get well soon Claire :)

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  10. All my best wishes for your sister. She will be in my prayers for sure.

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  11. Claire's in my prayers, as are you beautiful Diana.

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  12. will be thinking good thoughts for you and your sister

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  13. I'm so sorry to hear about Claire. I'm sending lots of positive thoughts and prayers your way.
    All the best to you and your family in this very difficult time. Get well soon Claire!

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  14. I will keep Claire, you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. It isn't easy, but stay strong as you know she needs you more than ever.

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  15. well wishes & positive vibes to you & your sister. =)

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  16. I'm praying for Claire and her whole family! She is so blessed to have a sister like you. Hang in there, and please don't hesitate to just rant/rave/let it all out here, because we're here for you!

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  17. Good vibes sending your sister's way. Keep blogging if Claire enjoys reading your blog. Hugs!

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  18. I am thinking good thoughts for your sister and your family. You will be in my prayers!

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  19. Oh Diana, I am sending you all as much positive energy and prayers as I can! *hugs*

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  20. I'm so sorry to read that ! I'm sending her all my prayers and good energies !!!

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  21. Good luck to both of you,I´m sending you my prayers and love !!!

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  22. You and Claire are in my prayers. It's an awful thing to be going through. I had a brain tumor which was on my pituitary gland. I've always had headaches but they got so much more worse. I don't know how I even continued to work. I found out about the tumor because I lost my peripheral vision in my right eye. Very strange since I would lost half of a column in a magazine. I went to the eye doctor and he sent me to a neurologist. All the tests confirmed a brain tumor. I really had some severe pain in my head. I had surgery and thank God everything went well and I got my vision back. I know there's all kinds of tumors. I pray it will be something that's easily removable. Be strong for your sister. My girlfriend Linda was there for me. I hope Claire doesn't have any pain. My heart aches for her. The worse part is just waiting for tests and results. God bless you Claire and take care. Prayer and meditation does help. Don't be afraid to be demanding with doctors. It's your health and life. Ask lots of questions once you get a diagnosis. It's scary but do research things. There's lot of horror stories out there. Doesn't mean your will be one of those. (((Hugs))) and kisses to you both.

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  23. My prayers and best wishes for you and your sister XOXO!

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  24. Best wishes and positive vibes for your sister!! *hugs*

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  25. I'll be keeping you and your sister in m thoughts and prayers. I know how hard this kind of situation is and you're both strong women to be handling this. Try to stay positive and I hope everything works out for the best <3

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  26. My heart is aching for you and your sister. I will keep both of you in my thoughts and prayers.

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  27. Family is the most important thing on earth, and I'll be sending all my best to you and yours. Stay strong.

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  28. Prayers and blessings to Claire and you too, Diana. A speedy recovery to Claire.

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  29. All the best and keep on fighting!

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  30. I'm so sorry! Best of luck to both, you and your sister, I really hope she gets better. I'll keep you and your family in my thoughts.

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  31. Our daily thoughts and prayers go out to Claire and the entire family in this time of need. She needs all the support at this very critical time, do what you need to do, family MUST always come first. God Bless You All!

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  32. Hi Diana, I'm a long time follower, but I've never written anything, until now. As a sister, I cannot begin to imagine, what you are going through. Be brave and be positive. I know it will be alright.
    To Claire - I will lit up a candle for you straightaway. A little bit of white magic is always welcome ;) you will fight this and you will win.

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  33. I will be hoping and praying for your sister. I also have a brain tumor, and I understand how difficult it can be to deal with such a big medical issue. I'm glad you are there for her and that she has been diagnosed. I know it can be hard to accept, but the doctors would not wait two weeks if they didn't think that was safe for her. Best wishes!

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  34. So sorry to read this. As a new follower, I am coming in late to the story. As a survivor, I know how devastating the news must be. I will pray for a speedy recovery.

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  35. Claire and your family are in my prayers that everything goes well and she can be on her way to a quick recovery.

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  36. Your sister is in my prayers. I hope you can feel all this positive energy I am sending your way, Claire!
    Love and light to you both.

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  37. My thoughts are with you both and I hope for a speedy recovery for your sister.

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  38. Diana,

    I am sending you and Claire lots of positive energy, blessings and keeping you both in my prayers.

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  39. Hi Diana I will most definitely be thinking of you and your sister (and family). You are such a wonderful sister :)

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  40. I'll be praying for both you and Claire.

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  41. my thoughts are with you, your sister and your family.

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  42. Thanks so much to each of you for your caring and support. My sister read many of the comments here before going to her second MRI. She told me it was so uplifting to encounter such encouragement and kindness. We are both very grateful for your prayers and positive energy.

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  43. My thoughts and prayers are with your sister and you! Best wishes and much strength to both of you.

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  44. <3 i am sending good karma to you and your family my dear!! i am sorry i did not get a chance to read this blog post sooner. ((HUGS))!

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  45. I am keeping Claire in my thoughts. <3

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  46. It must be wonderful to have a loving sister in such a situation. I wish you both much strength!

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