Who is a sister? A sister is part of you and part of your parents. When you’re younger there will be times when you will be jealous or envious of her. As you grow older you become closer and appreciate each other and want the best for her. If she gets sick, part of you gets sick also. All your old memories come back especially anything good you ever did for her. Now you try to make memories of fun times that will last you the rest of your life.

            My baby sister, she was 16 years younger than me and because of that she was always like my own daughter. I made her formula, washed her diapers, and saw her grow up to a beautiful young lady. Not too many years later, she got cancer and I took care of her. When she had good days, we went on day trips to every beach from Hull to Province town, from Wareham to point Judith in Rhode Island. There we found after a storm giant quahogs lying on the shore. Another time also in Rhode Island we came upon a hot air balloon just taking off (the first one we ever saw up close). We followed it until it landed, it was so exciting. Each day was a new experience.

            After she died and we spread her ashes in the ocean, I read an Irish blessing: May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and rains fall soft upon your field. Until we meet again may god hold you in the palm of his hand and think of her as living and the hearts of those she touched. For nothing loved is ever lost and she was loved so much.

            There is a song that starts: I’ll be seeing you and all the familiar places. Then I said every time I go to a beach from Hull to Province town, from Wareham to point Judith, and every time I see a good size beach stone (because she picked one up from every beach) or a hot air balloon I think of you. Thank you for all the enjoyment you gave me with you enthusiasm.