<p>Just adding my name here, thinking about life and the lessons we learn from people we don’t really know. I am filled with gratitude.</p>
<p>bentshaftpaddle, thank you for posting that wonderful poem, and for your other messages on this thread. There is really nothing like poetry for capturing emotions at a time like this.</p>
<p>Snowball, best wishes for continued health.</p>
<p>I just came into this thread and the other thread a few days ago, but oh. my. goodness. They have affected me greatly.</p>
<p>Threekids: Hi again…hope you are now cancer-free. Snowball: 20 years cancer-free, wonderful. I am 4 years cancer-free, also with two boys, like SR.</p>
<p>I have had several friends die in their 40’s and early 50’s from all types of cancer. All these poems are so comforting. Lit a virtual candle and a real yarzeit candle from home to remember SR and her struggles and everyone’s struggles.</p>
<p>Yes, doing good deeds in her honor is powerful. Hug your children and husbands, partners, significant others.</p>
<p>Thanks to her IRL friends to keep us posted on how her family is doing. I wish them peace and wonderful memories of a life well lived.</p>
<p>Like chocchipcookie, i just came onto this thread two days ago, and also read the entire 200+ pages of the remarkable thread that sunriseeast began two years. I wish I had stayed on this forum, CC, after my first S was done w/ his college process just so I could have been a support to sunrise, as I have received so much wisdom from her in the last two days. </p>
<p>You would think that after living 50 odd years ourselves, engaging in our marriages, raising our own children, even experiencing cancer (I am now 10 years post diagnosis), that there wouldn’t be much more to learn. But, then someone like sunrise comes along to open our minds wider, to teach us how to be our better selves, to remind us what this life of ours is all about. </p>
<p>Sunrise and family, this thread…your wife’s/mom’s posts…will continue to influence people who have even yet to hear of CC. I hope it remains in the parent’s cafe for years to come so that others will benefit from sunrise’s wisdom and example of living a life with great intention. </p>
<p>In my county there is a local, grass-roots org called “Friends of the Family” whose volunteers help out families who have a loved one facing a medical crisis. They shop, pick up kids from school, bring over meals, etc. I plan to volunteer for them in the upcoming week in sunrise’s honor. I know how much my friends’ help meant to me when I was undergoing treatment a decade ago.</p>
<p>Sunrise, family and friends, you are in my thoughts.</p>
<p>There are so many amazing people on this thread…dear, dear Sunrise, her amazing family and friends, cancer survivors, those who have known pain and loss, and those who know love. Many of these posts are so eloquently written that they touch deep within my heart and bring me to tears. Sunrise, you have given each of us a gift that will live in our hearts forever…thank you.</p>
<p>My candle and others, though low, are still burning, but I will light another for Sunrise today. </p>
<p>I am bumping the link if others would like to do the same:
[Group</a> <em>SR</em> Candles - Light A Candle](<a href=“Light a Candle - Grateful Living Practice - Grateful.org”>Light a Candle - Grateful Living Practice - Grateful.org)</p>
<p>Isn’t it amazing to think how someone you have never met, not even had a conversation with, can affect your life. What a rare person Sunrise is.</p>
<p>I was afraid my candle was burning out, so I lit another. Sunrise’s light will always be shining through her family and friends.</p>
<p>Thinking about you nonstop, Sunrise. Wishing you and your family comfort at this difficult time.</p>
<p>Just lit another candle. Sunrise is burning brightly in my mind these days. Peace!</p>
<p>My second virtual candle lit for you Sunrise, to light your way…</p>
<p>adding more light for sunriseeast</p>
<p>423 candles from 11 countries…</p>
<p>I just find the ripples to be quite extraordinary…</p>
<p>It is as impossible to sum up the life of a person
with a bouquet of words
as it is to sum up the universe
with a handful of sand.</p>
<p>-- Zoe Klein</p>
<p>Another candle lit with wishes of peace, love, and comfort to Sunrise and those close to her.</p>
<p>Another candle lit. You are right about how she affected so many people, even though we never met or conversed with her individually. She taught us a great deal in her wisdom and in how she handled her sickness/adversity. May God bless and bring peace to her family.</p>
<p>Just lit a second candle. Peace to Sunrise and her family.</p>
<p>Another candle for sunrise. peace.</p>
<p>Another candle. In honor of a unique woman.</p>
<p>Another candle as the first one winds down.</p>
<p>Godspeed Sunriseast. And virtual hugs to you loved ones.</p>
<p>Another candle lit. We are here with you.</p>