IN MEMORY OF MY DEAR SISTER

To the outside world we all grow old, but not to brothers and sisters, we know each other as we always were, we know each other’s hearts, we share private family jokes, we remember family feuds and secrets, family grief’s and joys, and we live outside the touch of time.

My world is a much sadder place now for we have lost an angel who was amongst us.

You earned your beautiful white angel wings because of the loving, kind, considerate, and helpful soul that you were to those you knew and loved.

Despite the challenges that the world sent your way you were always the happiest when helping others in need or doing something that would bring joy to others.

It could have been baking someone’s favorite cookies, or making a favorite meal, or being of moral support and helpful in whatever way you could, and, you would go out of your way to do so and make it happen.

You seemed to attract people in need of your kind and loving nature.

I think that is why you loved Andy so much, he seemed to need a lot of taking care of and spoiling, but then again I know Andy learned early that spoiling him and others was what made you the happiest.

One of Andy’s favorite expressions was: My mother raised fat children, not stupid children.

You took very good care of Andy and he was always there for you.

There were on occasion some black spots or streaks on those angel wings of yours, but that was when you had to deal with people who were not loving, kind, and or considerate. I know, as your mischievous younger brother, I had on occasion tested your patience.

Your kind and loving soul would soon forgive me and others who would make an effort to realize their misgivings.

You shared with me when I was older and able to understand, the one other time your angel wings were tarnished a little because of me. We would both laugh with joy whenever you would tell me this because of the special bond we had for one another.

You see I had three older sisters, my sister Vera was the youngest and she was nine and a half years old when this scrawny premature boy replaced her as the youngest child. There was a little jealousy involved and when this crying, annoying baby became too much for her she wished I would just disappear, however, my sister’s kind and loving nature soon kicked in and I became her baby brother to love, hold, play with and take good care of. My sister Vera did take good care of me all her life, like a second mother, in fact Andy would tease her that the umbilical cord ran all the way down the 400 and 401.

Vera was very excited and happy to move from Quebec to Alliston even though she was leaving family, friends, and a home of many years, she was moving closer to her son and grandchildren. It gave her such pleasure to be involved and helpful in whatever way she could be.

We spoke often on the phone and shared our daily experiences; Vera was so very proud of the father, man, and success her son Dan has become, she was so proud and happy for her granddaughter Samantha whose young life as a paramedic is just beginning. Vera had a special place in her heart for her youngest granddaughter Dana, she saw in her a talented, kind, and loving person full of joy and wonderment.

Vera was an angel of a person in our lives and will never really be gone, for she has a cherished place in our hearts where she will always be remembered for the love she shared and the happiness she brought.

My dear sister Vera, I know our world could be a better and happier place if everyone you shared your kindness and love with would do the same with those they know and love.

I know that if you can you will always be watching over us, not a day goes by that I don’t miss you.

You will always be loved and remembered for your beautiful soul and smile.