While we were on holiday we received a call to say that my younger sister had suffered a massive brain haemorrhage and was in a coma. She passed away that evening. I never expected my "baby sister" to die before me, so her passing came as a tremendous shock. I am still trying to come to terms with her not being with us, and I still hope that it is just a bad dream.
Whenever I think of Joyce, I think of her as my little sister, because that is how I referred to her when I was a kid. From an early age she was a person with a strong character. She knew what she wanted, she was not influenced by popular opinion, she could assert herself and was not afraid to hold back, she also had a sharp wit and a good brain.
My sisters and I had a tradition of having our photos taken together, which started when we were still small. As kids mother would periodically decide it was time for our photos to be taken. Spontaneous or candid shots were not done. All the shots had to be carefully posed, but first of all we would be bathed and scrubbed and put into our best clothes and go through an afternoon of what could best be described as "kiddies hell." We would have preferred to be playing, but looking back now I realise our mother left us with a legacy of treasured photos that bring back many memories.
We had a great childhood. We played and laughed and argued and fought like any other siblings and always stood up for one another, because we were family. Joyce, Charlette and I had a very close relationship and our times together was always very special. Joyce always retained her no nonsense approach to life and her sharp wit and could always be relied upon to be unconventional. She also always sought the best for her two daughters and her granddaughter.
I am really going to miss my little sister.
Yet in the sadness there was also joy, with the arrival of our third grandchild Jonathan, a delightful little boy, who needless to say is going to be spoilt rotten by me. Just one look at that littlle guy and I was totally besotted.
13 comments:
It's so very obvious in your post how much you love your sister! It must be so hard for you right now, although, at the same time, there's a wonderous new life to celebrate.
I hope you're finding comfort in your family and that new baby. Glad to see you back in the blog world.
Wow! I am so sorry for your loss. Losing someone so suddenly is hard to take in. Thank goodness for good memories. Another Wow! A beautiful baby boy to love and spoil. Babies are certainly the perfect balm to heal a broken heart. God bless you and yours!
I'm so sorry to hear about your little sister Joyce. It's obvious from your pictures you guys are/ were close. I know your heart aches but seeing this little guy at the end of your post is enough to make your heart swell. He's adorable. I'm sure you and Charlotte will have him spoiled in no time.
I simply love that first photo of you, Joyce and Charlotte. You all were so cute sitting in what you call 'kiddie hell'. My thoughts will be with you and your family.
I'm so sorry for your loss. And happy that you gained that sweet little bundle.
I am so sorry for your loss, it is such a tragedy for us when someone so close to us suddenly leave this life we share. My prayers are with you and your family.
9 years ago I was one of the blessed ones. Today I am grateful for every day and each moment gifted to me and my family. Today you are blessed with Jonathan. I wish you only the very best.
Please accept my sincere condolence on your loss.
Please accept my sincere condolence on your loss.
So sorry to hear about your sister. You are lucky that she had her tradition regarding the photos, you have those permanent memories. I had a very favorite great uncle who passed away way to young, and the same day my first niece was born, trading places I would say. I hope your pain will be eased with the passage of time.
I am so sorry to hear your sad news about your sister. What a shock it must have been. I hope as time goes on the pain will ease some. Glad you are back at the blog and you have the little one to bring you joy. Eileen
So sorry for your loss, it hit me hard when I lost my brother a few years back.
Hi Max-e the life is full of surprises. I am so so sorry to hear about your little sister. It isn't easy, especially if you had such a good relationship, and your mother was so right to take those photos, they will last forever. On the other hand congratulations on the new arrival. The baby is beautiful, just beautiful....Anna :)
I am so sorry to hear you have lost one of your loved ones.
Also, congratulations on the new grandson.
Your expression about our little sister is very strong, full of love toward here. I'm sorry to hear this..
Also, congratulations on the new grandson.
Post a Comment