Moons 101

I have the greatest family.

My mom, Suzanne, was a strong woman who instilled wonderful values and ethics on her children. She had a terrific sense of humor and many friends to share her laughter with. Although she was the disciplinarian of the family, there was no doubt how much she loved her girls! When she died she had one request: that her daughters take good care of each other. In fact, her Will basically said "split everything up...you girls will figure it out". And we did and we have. We have always pulled together strongly during times of adversity in our lives. Right now is a shining example. My sisters have circled the wagons and are caring for me like a pack of momma bears. I am so lucky.

My dad, Bob, was a patient and kind man...after all, he had to be with 7 women in the house! He would tell people "We had a male dog but the damn thing ran away". The family joke growing up was that when he was upset (a rarity), he would go around the house and put all the toilet seats up. We never expected that in a house full of females. He loved bragging about his girls to anybody who would listen...telling of their accomplishments and journeys throughout the country & world. He was a devoted son to my grandmother, visiting her several times a week when she was in a nursing home. He loved to whistle, play cribbage and act as Mr. Fix-it when he came to visit me in Texas.

I have 5 sisters. Each of them is incredible in their own way...smart, beautiful, strong, funny, intelligent, brave, wonderful! They are all my heroes. We are like a unit, a single item...the "Moons girls". What an incredible gift to be a part of this 6-pack. My life is so rich because of it.

My sister Megan and I have always been closest, probably partially due to the fact that we are the Moons "cabooses", coming at the tail end of 6 daughters to Bob and Suzanne Moons. We are actually twins except we were born 15 months apart.

It is nearly impossible to describe Megan but I am going to do my best.

I am moved daily by my sister, Megan. She was just here for a week, leaving her husband and kids and busy schedule back in Michigan. It was an amazing week. I think the most amazing part was all the laughter. These past 7 or 8 days could have sucked...really been a bummer. I have been poked, prodded, stuck, palpated, examined, stitched and glued more in the past several days than in all my 32 years (ha ha). Megan being here has meant jokes (not "why did the chicken cross the road" kind but more improv, funny exchanges...sometimes even with strangers). It has meant laughter, kindness, peace, calm, nurturing, competition (see photo below...she won and didn't even cheat) and just pure enjoyment. Megan being here meant laughter with the surgeon and post-op nursing staff. Megan being here has meant the smell of glorious homemade soup throughout the house. Megan being here has meant loving, gentle, patient reinforcement for my kids. Megan being here meant a reprieve from the fear.

One of the big jokes in our family is that Dad loved Megan best. It was even a part of his eulogy. And it was true. They had a special bond. He even delivered Megan in the front seat of the family car.

Megan is so grounded. She is so real and true. That is the kind of person Megan is. She is just a joy to be around. She makes it easy!

I love you with all my heart, Megan. Thank you for being here with me.