When 2014 began, one of my skydiving sisters, Lisa, wasn't feeling so great. She had a cough that she couldn't shake.  In March, she was admitted to the hospital and told that she had lung cancer. The fight began.

I met Lisa in 2007 just after she finished her student program.  When she was doubting herself, I encouraged her. In April, she told me that I helped her stay in the air longer than she would have if she hadn't met me.  

Just a few days after her diagnosis, I went to visit her at the hospital. I was on my way back from dropping Emma off with her dad.  When I entered the hospital, I went directly to the gift shop.  I figured I'd grab some sweet treats, and a small gift.  That's when I saw this quirky looking stuffed animal.

She was perfect!  I knew that Lisa would love her because she is silly just like me.  While I was waiting at the register, I heard this loud sound - like a garage door being closed.  The gate to the store came down and I was locked in!

When I called out "Hello", I startled the clerk.  She apologized for not seeing me. I laid the candy and the stuffed animal on the counter. Then, the clerked said that she couldn't ring up the items because she had already closed out for the day. UGH! I didn't want to show up empty handed, but I wanted to see Lisa. Oh well... 

This visit was the first of several. It seemed like the hospital had a revolving door. Lisa was out and then she was right back in again. The battle continued.

In November, I was in a Hallmark store and I saw the funky looking stuffed animal again.  It made me think of Lisa. I had to buy it! I figured I would give it to her during our next visit. When I got home, I contacted her via Facebook and ask when I could come and see her.  I offered to bring lunch or whatever she needed, but she told me she wasn't feeling well. Cancer was winning.

I put the stuffed animal on my desk. For some strange reason, our cat Blaze would not leave it alone.  He kept knocking it off my desk and trying to eat her tutu.  Since he couldn't get it off, he spent hours licking it. Silly cat!

I never got a chance to give it to Lisa. On December 18th, she passed away. Our friend, Nate, officiated the service. His words were a powerful reminder that Lisa was no longer suffering in pain. The fight was over.

Fly free Lisa...until we meet again.