Searching for normalcy.....

My very wise, 80 year old Dad says, "Life goes on." I know he is right. So in my grief I am groping my way back to normal. It's hard. A part of me wants things to be normal again, but another part of me wants to think about and remember my sister. Well, I suppose that is normal, too, under the circumstances. So, I guess all is well. My sister lives in Heaven now. And it's not 'Goodbye' but 'See you later.'

I do have plans for a couple of projects in remembrance of my sis. She had 4 very special friends that I plan to make special gifts for. That would make Jo happy. She was also trying to grow her hair long to donate to 'Locks of Love'. I will do something special for some cancer patients on her behalf. Jo was always about giving and serving. I can't be Jo, but maybe I can become a little more like her. I'm looking forward to seeing her again, later.

My Sister. My Friend.

On the evening of Thanksgiving day I received a call from my nephew in North Carolina.

"Irene," he said. "Mama's having a heart attack."

"Oh John, are you sure?" I asked.

Yes, he was sure. I could hear the EMT's in the background. I recognized the sound of the ACD directing 'No shock advised.'

"No Lord," I prayed. "Please don't let my sister die!"

Not long after, my other nephew, Barney, called to tell me that "Mama is gone."

How sad. I'm going to miss her so much. She was only 56 years old. Younger than I.

I heard her announce her arrival in Heaven. "I'm here."
I saw her being welcomed by my baby sister and my mom who had gone before. I saw her walk toward me to welcome me into Eternity. She was beautiful and happy. So was I.

I thank God for allowing me a glimpse into Heaven at a time when I needed it so badly. Still, I'm really going to miss her. She was so uniquely special. I am so sad.