Good Bye, Sis
January 24, 2010 by Puna
Filed under Signatures
Yesterday, my sister left her home in Virginia to live in Georgia. It was a sad good-bye for the two of us. And today, as I write this, it still is very emotional for me. All I can remember is her entire body shaking with her sobs as I left. And I couldn’t drive with all the tears in my eyes. She didn’t want to go. And I hope I wasn’t seeing her for the last time.
Four years ago, my sister was as healthy as you and me. Today she is an invalid with around the clock medical care and living with decisions that don’t reflect her wishes but she must accept them anyway. What a terrible disease this ALS.
However, before I can write about the unfortunate circumstances surrounding her departure, I want to remember this little miracle last Thanksgiving. It’s all I can do right now.
I drove my sister home to my parents’ house last Thanksgiving for a last visit at home before her move to Georgia. It was a nerve racking seven hour trip to be recounted another time. I’ll just say this…it’s tricky bringing your invalid sister to a public bathroom while in a wheelchair. I almost dropped her on the floor. I wanted to take her anti-anxiety medicine but I was driving:)
Like all siblings, my brother and my sister fought an awful lot as kids. They were so different those two. Though I can claim as many arguments, some of which resulted in a torrent of tears and slamming doors, I have to say, these two took the cake when it came to sibling disagreements.
As my brother leans in to understand her labored speech, I wonder at the miracle of time. He’s patient with her now. And since she’s bed-ridden, she can’t kick him down the stairs.
And then there’s this…he’s reading the Bible to her. Her favorite passage? 1 Corinthians 13:4 “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”
As far as I know, my brother has not stepped foot in a church for 30 years. As far as I know, my sister is not a Christian. As far as I know, I’m the only one who took that not so traveled path in my immediate family. So what’s this all about?
I don’t know. Perhaps someone is speaking to them…both of them. And I guess I don’t know much, but that’s okay with me!
I watched my younger brother read the Bible to my older sister and I knew in my heart that miracles can happen. All the time.
Posted on Spiritual Sundays.
and on Gayle’s Monday Memories.
puna, my love to you and your sister. i write this with tears as i know myself how painful it can be to have a loved one sick. i send all my strength to you. please take it and use as you wish. xo
((hugs))
Big hugs and much love to you. Praying for you and your sister.
I’m so sorry for your sadness. I will pray for your sister. I will pray also that your brother and sister will turn to the Lord and have him in their life.
God Bless,
Ginger
Thanks be to God! What a wonderful, precious post. Your love for your family and for your Heavenly Father is so evident. God bless you and give you peace.
Good byes are sad, and seeing your loved one’s health deteriorate is heartbreaking. I am so glad to see them turning to God’s Word. His Word has the power for its own fulfillment! Praying for peace and comfort.
Prayers & hugs to you.
I too am so sorry for your sadness and for your sister’s illness. ALS is such a terrible disease. I’m glad your brother is reading the Bible to her. God can work miracles in lives. I’m praying for you and for them. Bless you for sharing your heart with us. The pictures make it so personal as well.
Charlotte
Oh, Puna, I’m sending hugs to you and your sister.
Seeing the photos of your brother, I see the resemblance that your children have to him!
the photos are amazing …what beautiful images of the two of them…i hold you close to my heart dear friend as you go through this trauma of change and illness ~ elk
Thanks Sis…I also am having a tough time dealing with the move…however I couldn’t imagine being there to see her off. I know in my heart and mind God does have a purpose within this, so with patience I will continue to pray for those outcomes that we all wish for. Thank you, TJ and the kids for always being there for Pook as well as myself.
God is at work Puna – in big and small ways. I will continue to lift you and your family in prayer for all things to come together for His glory.
Families are so complicated! Sometimes it is so painful to watch your family go through things. It is wonderful that they are sharing in your faith!! I will pray for everyone. Blessings and hugs to you.
I have no words for this post, just tears.
Much love to you and your family.
xo
Kath
What a beautiful miracle. I STILL have goosebumps.
Oh Puna, I’m sorry that your sister had to go away to Georgia
But what a heartwarming and positive post, filled with the love that you and your brother have for your sister.
Kelly