Sunday, November 15, 2009

My Sister


My sister Bonnie Gaye would have been 60 years old today (November 15). She passed away 29 years ago at the age of 31 from melanoma. She left behind 4 small children. She and I fought like cats and dogs growing up. We didn't have a close relationship until we were both grown and married, then it was cut short. Though she had a short life it was never boring. She always found things to laugh about, never met a stranger, always ready and willing to try new things. I miss her a lot and wish she were here teasing and laughing about getting old, but know she is much happier and watching over me with a smile and twinkle in her eye. Happy Birthday Nay Nay

I've gotten used to missing you,

My grief's begun to ease;

I don't sit down to write you notes

Or phone to shoot the breeze

.When in a crowd someone may laugh

Or sound a lot like you;

And then the pain will grip my heart

And flood my soul anew.

I've gotten used to missing you,

I'm learning day by day

To focus on good memories

And put the rest away.

On strong days I scan photographs

Of happy times we knew;

I picture Jesus in my mind

And place Him next to you.

I've gotten used to missing you,

And though it's been 29 years;

I still am just a thought away

From aching and from tears

But my sorrow will have an end,

So let the teardrops pour;

Until I'm once again with you

And the One who loves you more.

9 comments:

Joan@CopperCreeker said...

(((Peggy))) I lost my oldest sis in 2005. Still doesn't seem real to me.
Take care.

Anonymous said...

Hi Peggy, I know birthdays & holidays are when you miss your sister the most. Sad for her children too to lose their mom at such a young age. Blessings to you today and may God surround you with loving, peaceful memories of her.

amelia said...

That's a lovely poem. One I've never heard before. At my age I thought I'd heard all these!!

My two girls fought all the time as kids and teens but they are in their forties now and get on very well. I think they realize that the three of them, their brother too, are all they've got and once I'm gone they'll really need each other!!

It's sad that you lost your sister to melanoma, I don't think this form of cancer gets enough publicity. I lost a cousin to the same thing two years ago.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful poem! I know you have missed your sister everyday, but also know the birthdays and holidays you miss her a little more.
She sounds like a wonderful sister and mother.

Pam

Marci said...

Peggy, big hugs to you today my friend. Those waves of grief can still hit us can't they. I am glad you and your sister were good friends before she left the earth. God bless my friend.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Oh Peggy--Your tribute to your sister is SO nice. Since I just lost my brother recently, this one hit home. Isn't it funny how kids 'fight' when young--and then become the best of friends when they grow up???

How sad that she died at such a young age... My love and prayers are with you Peggy TODAY (and always).
Hugs,
Betsy

Cathy said...

Hello Peggy
Lovely tribute from one sister to another. Is she close by so you are able to visit her grave?

Did your sister sunbath a lot? Melanoma is the fastest growing skin cancer in Australia - meaning there are more cases each year than before. It won't be long before Summer is here and we are seeing warning ads on the TV already, I know we liked to sunbath but some of the kids take it to extremes abd don't use sunscreens.
Take care
Cathy

DayPhoto said...

This was lovely and it is so true. Lossing someone you love is hard, very hard. I know.

Linda
http:coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com

Carole Burant said...

Sending you big hugs, sis! I know how much you miss her and it's so sad to think of someone so full of life and so young to be taken away much too soon. Cherish your memories of her and hold them close to your heart. xoxo