Loss

Russ woke me early this morning to tell me that my nephew had called.  He and his dad had found my sister passed out on the floor and not breathing.  Paramedics were called and they shocked her and intubated her for transport to the hospital.  They were not able to save her and so at about 8 a.m. this morning, my dear sister, Sharon, went home to be with Jesus.  I cannot think of what else to do so I will write about her.  Writing always helps me focus and clear my mind.



I cannot begin to tell you how much this hurts.  I have written about my older sister, Laila, the one we always do crazy stuff with.  Sharon was the sister just older than me.  She  didn’t like to travel, although we used to have sister’s days at the coast when we were all younger.  Sharon was the sane one in the family and tried (unsuccessfully) to keep Laila and me in line.

Sharon has not been well for many years but her main problem was intense unremitting pain.  She had had several unsuccessful back surgeries and the pain just wouldn’t quit.  But she never gave up.  She did as much as she could and still took care of her house, her husband, and the one son who still lives at home.  She was at church as often as she was able.  She went to grandkids performances and graduations.  She NEVER GAVE UP.


We used to have a “Sister’s Day” once a week where the three sisters would get together and just hang out.  It used to be an all day thing, then as Sharon became more disabled we would just get together for lunch once a week.  Lately those lunches were few and far between.  Yet last Monday, I asked both sisters to please come to lunch at my house before Laila left on her trip to Reno.  We had a great sister’s lunch just sitting in my back yard and talking about life.  I am so glad we had this time.

Thursday I found out she was sick.  I called her husband and he said she had been vomiting for a couple of days but refused to see the doctor.  He did say the next day that she was keeping down some Gatorade and seemed to be doing better.  Then this morning, it was all over.  I don’t really know what happened yet, and that is hard. 


But this I DO know, Sharon loved the Lord and I know she is in heaven safe in the arms of Jesus.  We three sisters were as close as any sisters I have ever known.  We all live within a mile of one another.  We have had our little squabbles from time to time but NOTHING ever came between us and our deep love for one another.  To know that Sharon is gone would be unbearable without the assurance that we will meet again. 


Take nothing for granted and do not pass up a chance to tell your loved ones how much they mean to you.  Some years back I made a video for my sisters.  I share it here as my tribute to Sharon.  She sure got a kick out of it.  I love you Sharon and will miss you all the days of my life.