Be Positive was around long before I started a blog called Be Positive Mom®. It all started around 2005 when my hubs and I (before kids) lived in Arizona. We were there just a short stint because soon after our move, my sister Stacy was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer, Stage 4. The outlook was bleak. My hubs and I moved back to California for what was going to be a very difficult journey.
My sister had a very spirited personality. She loved to party and play. She was driven and confident yet had her moments of being vulnerable. Who doesn’t?
The first option doctors gave her was an aggressive surgery that she chose to do. The day of her surgery she found out her blood type was B+. She made a joke by telling us to “Be Positive” and everything would be OK.
We were all scared and upset but she didn’t want any sad face. She yelled down the hallway as they wheeled her to surgery, “Be Positive!” and waved her hand in the air as if she was scolding us.
The concept for Be Positive came out of that moment for our family. A friend and I campaigned to family and other friends with B+ t-shirts and the proceeds from the shirts we sold went to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition. We all wore them to support my sister and she wore her shirts to her appointments. Of course she had an assortment of colors.
Throughout her 2 ½ year battle, she maintained her positive, motivating and infectious attitude. Stacy passed away October 4, 2007.
In her last days, she told me that if her fight and eventually her death helped another woman become more aware of this disease, get a check-up or prevent the disease from being found so late (as it was with her), then all she went through would be worth it.
Until just a short time ago, I could barely type let alone say the word cancer. I never knew how I could possibly do anything with her message. I don’t think my focus can ever be on the fight against cancer or finding a cure exclusively because it is so painful. That may seem selfish I know.
As I thought about writing, blogging, and what eventually led to developing Be Positive Mom®, I had an epiphany about those two words, Be Positive. And shortly thereafter Be Positive Mom® was born! I created Be Positive Mom® and blogged there for many years. In 2014, I shifted the blog to this current site. My sister is still very much a part of why I blog and how I live my life.
I miss my sister immensely and think of her every day. Some days are harder than others but I know things happen for a reason. It took me a while to realize her message is not so much about the cancer that caused her death, but about having a positive attitude so you can live life to its fullest potential.
Take the time to smell those roses and enjoy the moments that will pass by so quickly. Laugh off the stressful things. Flip it around to look at the bright side.
I once read a fellow blogger’s comment stating that many people start blogging as a result of a life altering experience. I will raise my hand as one of those people. The journey with my sister changed my life forever.
Stacy’s message in Be Positive or mine in Be Positive Mom® may not save the world. At the very least, it will put some positive energy back into it.
I love you sis… thank you…
Be Positive Mom® is a registered trademark and although it’s not longer a public facing website, the message and meaning it carries will forever be in my heart, my soul and how I live my life every day.
Stephanie Lema 
I am sorry to hear of your loss. The story is very touching. Thank you for sharing! I needed that be positive attitude today! Take Care!
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You sister sounds like an amazing person. I'm so sorry for your loss. What a great way to honor her though! Thanks for sharing your story.
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Thank you all so very much 🙂 I truly appreciate your comments!
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WOW! that was a very moving story. I admire your strength for being able to go through that and then write about it.
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I am sure even if your sister passed away some time ago, that post was difficult to write. We always have to maintain a positive attitude because we never know what's going to hit us. Miracles come in cans, i heard that today- I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, I can see the blessing in the midst of pain, I can overcome…God bless you! I've enjoyed my visit to your blog! Patsy from HeARTworks
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Thank you Patsy. That means so much to me. You're right… you just never know what is going to hit you or when.
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Wow Steph, what a great story you have here. I'm so sorry for the loss of your sister – she sounds incredible. But what you are doing in her memory through your blog is an awesome testament to her life and no doubt she would be proud. What a wonderful, wonderful message. Love it!
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Thanks Adriel. Still hard to believe… Your comments made my day! Appreciate the post more than you know 🙂
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What a moving story. I am so sorry for the loss of your sister. She sounds like an amazing person and I am sure there are many people missing her. I'm glad you were able to turn that loss into something positive.Dropped by from SITS to say hi.
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Thank you so very much Debbie. It helps me every day to be a part of Be Positive Mom and what it means not just to me but to others, too. Glad you stopped by! 🙂
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What eloquent words! I am not a Mom myself, but I think your message is so important in all aspects of life. I know your sister would be so proud of you right now.
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Pain often brings about change. Some good, some bad. I’d say you are doing pretty good!
Blessings and Prayers
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What a beautiful, inspirational and heartbreaking story. Your sister sounds like a wonderful person. I am deeply sorry for your loss. I couldn’t imagine….Your blog is just letting her words and spirit live on.
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Thank you Trianna! I miss her every day but am so thankful her message is reaching so many others. It’s gives me peace to know that…
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This post brought me to tears as I just lost my own aunt from breast cancer. Your sister is amazing woman and thank you for sharing her story, her fighting spirit and her contagious Be Positive attitude. She must be so proud of you.
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Thank you Maureen. We are lucky to have had these amazing women in our lives, your aunt and my sister. They are so missed but the world is a better place since they were in it… I hope you are taking some time for you, too, I know your aunt just passed away and it’s probably so surreal. Thinking of you 🙂
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It’s been touching reading about Stacy’s story and how it shaped yours. Her attitude and positivity is inspiring and it’s wonderful that you’ve chosen to carry on her legacy.
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Thank you Sharla. It’s so nice to hear from you. I really appreciate your comment and I am glad you here 🙂
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