I pick up the story that I wrote on my blog on June 24, 2014. (A Summer’s day that burned) https://myrnafolkert.wordpress.com/2014/06/24/a-summers-day-which-burned/
I’m told by writer friends much smarter than I, that “cliff-hangers” are ok in books, but not really on blogs. So I’m going back to part of the story.
This is my sister Audrey’s birthday.
November 3.
I don’t have the heart to write the actual words my Aunt spoke to me. At my high school that day, my Aunt and Uncle told me about my sister’s death. Robotically, I entered their car. I tried hard to rationalize it away on that five minute drive home. This had to be some epic mistake. Audrey might be sick and it wouldn’t be as bad as they thought.
Our family had a very hard time talking about my mom’s death. Then right on the heels of losing her, we lost my sister Audrey too. I was 15 years old. This time, I understood what was going on. At the time of my mom’s death I was so young that I couldn’t verbalize my feelings and I was just lost in the crowd. This time, it was a totally different dynamic and I was thrown right into a blinding spotlight.
Arriving at the farmhouse, the car had not stopped before I was running to the front door. There in the front yard, was an ugly black hearse in the exact same place it had parked to take my mom away. I frantically got past a few family members, just in time to see the dreaded scene. Two black-suited men were carrying my dear sister out from upstairs. She was covered from head to toe in a white sheet. Out the front door they went, resolutely put her in the back, the doors made a loud thud, and the engine fired.
I stood there in the living room.
This. Could. Not. Be.
It was eerily like the day eight years earlier. Except this time, they didn’t take my mommy, they took my best friend.
The night before had been so real.
Last night, Audrey and I had decided to go down the road. I was jogging, and she was riding bike next to me, as we chattered like teenage sisters do. She was 18, and in my eyes could do no wrong. We ended the night with laughing and dancing to the new records she had acquired. She brought me into new worlds-the music groups of Eagles and Abba…the exchange students from Germany…the help with twirling baton…the late night “slumber parties” when things were whispered, giggling long and hard.
Audrey Marie, I still love you and miss you. Happy Birthday.
It would have been so precious to have more time. Maybe we would have traveled together. Certainly planned our weddings together and been maid of honor for each other. We would have possibly lived close enough to snuggle one another’s babies on our hips and go to soccer games together. We all could have watched you blossom into the incredible artist you were becoming.
Save a beautiful multi-colored painting for me, my dear sister. I’ll join you and mom at the pearly gates. The colors there must be beyond anything you could have imagined on your earthly canvases.
Pingback: Remembered With Love | Tablet of your Heart
Dear Myrna:
Thank you for this chapter. God knows our hearts, and their needs, daily. May God bless you richly every day, as you honor your family with these writings. I am sure that these writings are blessing each of us. Thank you so much. Aunt Lois
LikeLike
Dear Aunt Lois,
Thank you for your kind encouragement again. God knows our hearts and why we go through difficulties in life. They are often used to help others in this life. Blessings back to you!
Myrna
LikeLike
Myrna,
Another beautifully written story thank you for sharing. My sister died when she was 17 days old, she was older than me by five years. So I never knew her but one day I will get to meet her!
LikeLike
Jeanne,
So sweet of you to read and comment. Yes, you will have a sister to catch up with in heaven, and what a glorious day that will be!!
LikeLike
Our love for our dear sister runs deep within our hearts. I wished her a happy birthday throughout the day. Thank you for putting words to feelings.
LikeLike
Thanks for reading and commenting Eloise. Those dates of birthdays, anniversaries, etc., always stick in our minds when you lose someone dear no matter how many years pass.
LikeLike
Oh Myrna,
What a sad but beautiful story. Sounds like you and your sister had a wonderful relationship. It’s a great reminder that we need to treasure each moment with our loved ones. My favorite line, “I’ll join you and mom at the pearly gates.” Oh, what a day that will be.
All God’s best,
Wanda S.
LikeLike
Thanks Wanda, and I know that all things happen for a reason. Hopefully someone can gain hope from the stories we write!
LikeLike