March 17 is my sister Wendy's birthday. She left this earth somewhat unexpectedly last November. It is difficult to articulate her absence; my usual writerly self stumbles to express thoughts that float about in our hearts and minds.
Wendy:
We love you.
Your generous, giving spirit was always appreciated.
Your nieces and nephews knew they were loved.
Your 3 sisters still tell our inside jokes, knowing if you were here, you'd laugh.
We're thankful that you are in heaven. With Mom.
We're blessed that God made you just for our family.
We miss you.
Happy Birthday.
Hug your loved ones today. Thanks for coming by.
Blessings to you all,
Karen
Tulip photo credit: Colleen T. - http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1235386
Not that much time has passed and I'm sure the grief is still present. **hugs**
ReplyDeleteMy heart is with you. I'm flying to see my mom to be with her on the anniversary of my dad's death.
ReplyDeleteI'm one of four girls, too.
~ Wendy
That is a loving tribute, Karen.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry, Karen. Those are sweet words.
ReplyDeleteLaura,
ReplyDeleteIt does seem like just yesterday for some reason. Thanks so much.
Wendy,
As mine is with you as well. It'll be a year the end of March that Mom passed away. Will pray for you and your journey.
Diane,
Thank you. Appreciate you stopping by.
Alex.
Good of you to come by. Thanks so much.
Blessings all,
Karen
Such a huge loss, that of a loved one. I have three sisters, and I cannot imagine life without a one of them. Your reflections are simply beautiful.
ReplyDeleteComforts today as you remember your beloved Wendy.
Kathleen
Wishing you peace and comfort today, Karen. Milestone events like this do make the loss a little keener--and yours was so very recent. Praying you feel the nearness of your Good Shepherd today. {{HUGS}}
ReplyDeleteI know you will feel the comfort of Jesus today, amigo. I am so sorry that you had to go through this, but I can tell you one thing, Wendy would be so proud of the things you wrote about her, to her. Lovely words, beautiful tribute. I love you. Thanks for sharing. You're the coolest. (Well Shannon and I are too.) :)
ReplyDeleteDear Karen,
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss. Your sweet words are a comfort both to you and your family, I'm sure. Wendy is now a member of that "great cloud of witnesses." Heb. 12:1
Susan
Hi Karen...You will probably always miss your beloved sister. That was a poignant tribute. You are right that her spirit will continue to live in your sweet memories of her, in your laughter, and in all the good works you accomplish on earth. No life is ever wasted.
ReplyDeleteWendy can probably be a powerful intermediary for you now, from the other realm of life.
May your day today be blessed. Susan
This is just so touching and beautiful.
ReplyDeletePraying for comfort and peace over your heart today.
ReplyDeleteKaren, Just last night I got this overwhelming sense of loss over the death of my father--17 years ago. My prayers are with you.
ReplyDeletePraying that Jesus holds you close today, and every day. Hugs.
ReplyDelete"God made you just for this family." Such amoving thought. Good thoughts and prayers coming your way.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and sweet tribute Karen. I cannot say I know how you feel, since I have never lost a sibling. I cannot even imagine...
ReplyDeleteMay the Lord comfort you, as He always will, but today especially!
I'm sorry, friend. May the Comforter anoint you with the oil of peace and comfort, giving you joy in the midst of sorrow.
ReplyDeleteI'd take you to Sbux if I could and we'd talk over tea and mocha.
Hugging your neck,
Rhonda
Kathleen,
ReplyDeleteThank you. It is rather odd with just the three of us now. Sisters are a blessing.
Laurel,
Appreciate your kind words and thoughts, so much.
Robyn,
Thanks, sweet amigo. Was wearing my shades while out today. As you know, that always helps. :)
Susan P.,
That is a good thought to remember. Thanks so much.
Susan W.,
Thank you. May your day be blessed as well.
Angela,
Thank you so much. It helps to reflect and talk about it, even if not articulated all that well.
Shanda,
Thank you so much. Am grateful for God's lovingkindness.
Carol,
I know, it's funny how it goes sometimes. My grandfather has been gone 17 years and I feel his loss very much, especially with certain memories. Same is true for Mom and others dear to me. Thanks so much.
Tyrean,
Thank you, and for you as well.
Linda,
Thank you. Been doing a lot of reflecting on how our steps are ordered.
Marja,
He is faithful. that's for sure. Thanks very much.
Rhonda,
Someday we'll do that. Thanks so much; I know He will.
Blessings and thanks to you all,
Karen
Beautiful Karen. You are courageous. Take care. xxx
ReplyDeleteKaren, that was a most beautiful poem and thanks for sharing the rememberance of your sister with us. One day we'll have new bodies and new minds and be together for eternity.
ReplyDeleteHi Karen,
ReplyDeleteThere are no words when we lose our loved ones...Maybe my sis & mom will meet up with your sis & mom in Heaven & become good friends...
Peace and blessing,
Clara.
So sorry Karen. Hugs :O)
ReplyDeleteMy condolences Karen. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about her. Hugs to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteAngela @ The Bookshelf Muse
I'm sorry for the loss of your sister. Grief, though shared, is still such a personal thing. Your tribute to Wendy is lovely. I've no doubt she's smiling on you. God bless.
ReplyDeleteLovely tribute to your sister, Karen. I'll keep you in my prayers today.
ReplyDeleteRaymonde,
ReplyDeleteAh, thanks friend! He gets us through, doesn't He?
Stephen,
You are welcome, appreciate your kind thoughts. This is true, thanks for reminding me.
Clara,
Now wouldn't that be great! Who knows, they may be fast friends by the time we get there. :)
Diane,
Hugs back. Thanks a bunch, very much appreciated.
Angela A.,
Thanks so much. Appreciate you reading them. Appreciate the hugs too. :)
Blessings,
Karen
Lisa,
ReplyDeleteYou are right. Everyone works through it differently. Appreciate your kind thoughts and support.
Lynn,
Thanks so much. Your thoughts and prayers are appreciated.
Blessings,
Karen
A heartfelt reminder to us all to not take one another for granted and let those that we love know it.
ReplyDeleteLee
Tossing It Out
Oh, Karen. This is so moving a tribute. Simple and yet full of love. I'm so sorry for your loss(es)!
ReplyDeleteLee,
ReplyDeleteYes, very good advice. Treasure our loved ones.
Janna,
Thank you. I know you've experienced loss in the last year too. Thinking of you.
Blessings,
Karen
I'm sorry for your loss, Karen. I've been grieving hard for my mother this week. It's not the anniversary of her death, and she's been gone over eleven years. I think part of being human is to grieve. Thanks for sharing though. I'm sorry your suffering, but I hope you know you're not alone.
ReplyDeleteJoylene,
ReplyDeleteThank you very much. So sorry about your mother. I know, even after a lot of time goes by, it can still seem fresh. There are days when I miss my grandmother, who died 8 years ago. Appreciate your kind support.
Blessings,
Karen
Love to you,my friend.
ReplyDeleteHi Karen .. it is so sad, and so recent - but these words are truly beautiful .. so poignant .. and it's wonderful to see you are a truly together family ... love the insights ..
ReplyDeleteBlessings and peace this weekend and always - Hilary
Sandra,
ReplyDeleteThank you. Much love to you too.
Hilary,
I am thankful for family. Thanks so much.
Blessings,
Karen
Karen,
ReplyDeleteMay God grant you peace and healing. So glad to consider you a part of my "writing family." Take special care. Lovely tribute.
Jennifer Brown Banks
Thanks, Jen. Glad to be a part of that "family" too. Thanks so much.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Karen
May God be with you as you go through this time of remembering your departed loved ones. We lost Hubby's sister last June. When we found out Son got a job with the government, I knew she'd be pleased and thankful about it.
ReplyDeleteA year earlier, we lost my dad. He had been in a nursing home for nine years. I found pictures in old albums and put them into nice frames. I still have the pictures sitting out in our living room.
One of the hardest parts about life in our imperfect world is experiencing the physical death of a loved one. I know I'm commenting a few days later, but I'm visiting your blog for the first time today, and this post touched my heart. I love how you wrote, "We're blessed that God made you just for our family." It's like a comfy cozy hug from above when we realize our families were knit together by God. May He comfort you in your loss. Beautiful tribute.
ReplyDeleteBarb
Cecelia,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your thoughts and prayers. I think our loved ones would want us to move ahead and remember the good times.
Barb,
Thanks for coming by. I enjoyed my stop at your blog. I appreciate your kind words, thanks so much.
Blessings,
Karen