My beloved sister Deb lost her battle with Von Recklinghausens Disease Nov. 15, 2008. There is no cure but we fought to find one and I will never meet another person so brave and special as my sister. She was 48. Married, with one son and me- her only sibling. We lost our parents at 16 and she became my instant mom. She gave up so much to raise me although only 3 years older than me.
She worked up until her very last day, in pain everyday, could not eat and suffered so, but never complained. She always cheered me on in whatever I did - got me out of so many messes and helped me when I became divorced and had to raise 2 kids. I will never forget how special she made holidays and looked forward to wearing her Christmas sweatshirt while shopping on black friday. I held her hand when she passed away. I wanted to tell her so many things but I couldn't stop crying. There is a huge ache in my heart that never dulls. I wish I could have one last coffee with her. I'm so very sad. I actually took a job transfer from the east and moved to Texas. I told myself I just needed a new start. I try and remind myself of how much better she is now and not suffering. I remind everyone else how short life is and never stop telling those we love how special they are.
I know now my sister was a gift. I think she knew exactly why she was put on earth - to help others and to make me who Iam today.
I often hope that when its my time to leave earth that I too will only be remembered so fondly as my sister. People did not talk about her home or car, or how wealthy she was in dollars, but instead everone shared how she helped to make special moments in each one of our lives. For this, I am truly blessed.