My mom laid to rest her baby sister yesterday (2/14/09). It has been an emotional week for her. The worst part of it is that she has not been able to really cry because of her illness. If she lets herself get too emotional her lungs will tighten up on her and it becomes difficult for her to breathe. She also develops a very strong tremor. That's how Parkinson's Disease reacts to emotions. So, the stress of not being able to cry has really had a tiring effect on her little body. I gave her a Tylenol last night so that she could relax and get some rest.
While we were sitting and relaxing, watching TV her other sister, my Aunt Julia, called to see how she was doing and if it would be possible for her to come by and visit with her for a short time. I noticed that there was a sadness to her voice so I said, of course. I told mom that it sounded as if Aunt Julia needed her older sister. Mom said, really!? So, sure enough when Aunt Julia arrived I hugged her and she hugged me hard then she asked where mom was and I led her to the den. She went straight to mom and hugged her really tight and they both had a very good cry in each other's arms. It was what they both really needed. The saddest moment was when mom told Aunt Julia, we're all we have. It was sad because in reality they have 2 other sisters but those 2 other sisters decided about 30 years ago that they wanted nothing to do with their family. One went as far as to say that she was not to be contacted whenever one of her siblings passed away because she did not care.
Wow, I just can't imagine not wanting the love of my family. I will be the first to admit that my brothers & sisters and I do not agree on everything and we are far from perfect but I know that I will always be able to count on them to be there for me when I need them. That is how we were raised by our parents. Dad always told us that it doesn't matter who you marry, where you go, or how much you stay away from your family, your blood will never change. You will always be part of this family and that is the one thing that nothing and no one will ever be able to change, not even you. When it seems that no one else is there, your brothers and sisters will always be there. They will be a part of you and you a part of them even after you die because you all share the same blood, mine and your mothers.
His one piece of advice he gave to us all was, don't ever stop talking to each other. That would be the one way to truly dishonor me and your mother. And if I die and see that you all are not speaking to each other, I will come down from heaven and kick some butts. Always remember that each time you begin a new day, you represent the person your mom and I created. You never want people to say, "Oh no, here he/she comes again." you want them to say, "Hey, here he/she comes." Be as proud of yourselves as I and your mom are of each and everyone of you and never, ever, stop loving each other.
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