Having siblings is one of the biggest blessings of God, but when you see them suffer and are unable to do anything, the pain is immense. Annie Marie knows how it feels to see your sibling suffer, as her oldest sister, Cathy, was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma five years ago, and no day has been easy on her ever since the diagnosis. It was a Sunday, just after Thanksgiving celebrations had ended, when the family received a call. One they did not look forward to.
Cathay recently went through a stem cell transplant, which would either bring hope for her recovery or the decline of her health. However, it was a call from the hospital through which they wanted to tell how Cathy had contracted a severe infection, one that probably could not be cured. There were no more hopes for her recovery, and so the family was all set to bid Cath goodbye, which is why they rushed to the hospital.
Instead of gathering around the Thanksgiving table, they traveled three hours to reach Albany. Most of the family members were still in their pyjamas, and throughout the way, they prayed to arrive on time, before things got out of hand. Annie prays to talk to her sister one last time. Not just this, she also wanted to capture the precious moment, knowing they would be the last, but a few family members did not support the idea. By profession, Annie was a photographer and saw the world through her camera lens; however, she did not know if it would be okay to capture such a moment and decided not to take the camera along.
Her husband grabbed it in case she changed her mind at the last moment. When they entered the hospital room, Cathy was lying down with a smile and eyes that shone brighter than the sun. She was desperate to get out of the hospital room and go home; however, in front of AnneMarie’s eyes flashed the life they had spent together. Sisters share some of life’s most special moments, from growing up to being the biggest cheerleaders in each other’s achievements. Was it really time to let go of her dearest sister? The fear of allowing it hit her right in that decisive moment.
Cathay’s daughter lifted Cathy’s granddaughter to her bed so she could take a glimpse. Surprisingly, even after being in so much pain and a state of confusion, Cathy instantly recognised that it was Lena and gave her a warm smile. This was when AnneMarie decided to unzip the camera bag. With great pain and ache, she still decided to capture the beautiful smiles and teary eyes.
She did feel discomfort, but she was aware of how these were the only moments she would have with her sister, as after a few hours, everything would change, and she would be gone forever. The pictures were special to AnneMarie and Lena as her mother got them framed, and now every night before bed, she kissed Grandma GiGi goodbye. The day was tough for the family as the pain of letting go lasts forever; however, the strength everyone showed, even in moments when their hearts were breaking down in pieces, showed how they wanted Cathy to leave the world in peace.
Cathy is remembered daily, and her legacy will forever live in the family. AnneMarie stated that the pictures were taken for Lena to remember, as GiGi undoubtedly was one of her favourite beings, and she wants her to remember her forever. Before leaving permanently, Cathay left behind the power of her beautiful smile and the lesson of how your family matters the most, and she is the one who sticks with you till the end!
