Dear Sister,
It has now been a week since you left the earth to be with Jesus. We had no unfinished business, so I am not starting this blog to tell you all you mean to me. I hope you already know that. Instead, I write this to help me to adjust to your absence, and to celebrate the 48 years we had together. Even if no one else in the world reads this, it will be a blessing to me to remember all you were...all you are.
It occurred to me several days ago that I am now the only sister left in our family (on earth). It is a strange feeling. Perhaps I can better understand now those 6 years you had with three brothers and no sister; and better appreciate how my unexpected arrival on the scene changed your life. You always said you rescued me from being thrown in the lake by our brothers (they wanted another boy) when I was born. I hope their attitude has changed now (don't worry, I have since achieved the ability to swim and am quite buoyant).
We went out to dinner the night before our Wisconsin brother left for home. It felt weird. Always before you and I have gravitated to one another; that night the boys sat together. I sat with your family, but you weren't there. It made me sad. Don't get me wrong, you know I love the kids and my favorite brother in law. Still, there was a empty spot for an extra chair; it was yours.
I have come to the determination that the sister relationship is unique. It can't be duplicated and I would never try. There is something that is born in sharing a childhood bed at night (even if you did crack your toes) and growing up together. You taught me so much during those early years; tying my shoes, reading, writing my name in cursive (my kindergarten teacher resented that, I think), putting on makeup...the list goes on. What a blessing it is to have someone you are totally and completely as ease with; no facade necessary. I am going to miss that.
When you were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, I determined to spend time with you; move back to our hometown and spend those last months building more memories to treasure. Who could have known that those last months would turn into four beautiful years? During that time you have taught me so much more; the importance of hope, the essence of faith, the value to pouring yourself into others regardless of your own circumstances. Our trips to the CTCA are treasured moments...and all the happy detours we took along the way.
God has a way of weaving the happy and the sad memories together in a tapestry of beauty. The contrast of light and dark give the picture depth and life. We can't have one without the other; you taught me that.
I love you; I miss you; but I would never wish you back. Give Daddy a kiss for me.
Your little sister
It has now been a week since you left the earth to be with Jesus. We had no unfinished business, so I am not starting this blog to tell you all you mean to me. I hope you already know that. Instead, I write this to help me to adjust to your absence, and to celebrate the 48 years we had together. Even if no one else in the world reads this, it will be a blessing to me to remember all you were...all you are.
It occurred to me several days ago that I am now the only sister left in our family (on earth). It is a strange feeling. Perhaps I can better understand now those 6 years you had with three brothers and no sister; and better appreciate how my unexpected arrival on the scene changed your life. You always said you rescued me from being thrown in the lake by our brothers (they wanted another boy) when I was born. I hope their attitude has changed now (don't worry, I have since achieved the ability to swim and am quite buoyant).
We went out to dinner the night before our Wisconsin brother left for home. It felt weird. Always before you and I have gravitated to one another; that night the boys sat together. I sat with your family, but you weren't there. It made me sad. Don't get me wrong, you know I love the kids and my favorite brother in law. Still, there was a empty spot for an extra chair; it was yours.
I have come to the determination that the sister relationship is unique. It can't be duplicated and I would never try. There is something that is born in sharing a childhood bed at night (even if you did crack your toes) and growing up together. You taught me so much during those early years; tying my shoes, reading, writing my name in cursive (my kindergarten teacher resented that, I think), putting on makeup...the list goes on. What a blessing it is to have someone you are totally and completely as ease with; no facade necessary. I am going to miss that.
When you were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, I determined to spend time with you; move back to our hometown and spend those last months building more memories to treasure. Who could have known that those last months would turn into four beautiful years? During that time you have taught me so much more; the importance of hope, the essence of faith, the value to pouring yourself into others regardless of your own circumstances. Our trips to the CTCA are treasured moments...and all the happy detours we took along the way.
God has a way of weaving the happy and the sad memories together in a tapestry of beauty. The contrast of light and dark give the picture depth and life. We can't have one without the other; you taught me that.
I love you; I miss you; but I would never wish you back. Give Daddy a kiss for me.
Your little sister
No comments:
Post a Comment