Eight Years...

Eight years since I held my sister's hand...we used to hold hands walking in a mall, or sitting together in church.  I know that seems weird to somebody else but it was normal for us.  We were sisters, very close, and very affectionate.  It was an unusual closeness between sisters.  The older we got, the more it meant to spend time together.  The last Facebook message she sent to me was to tell me she was checking flights to come and visit me in Cleveland, Tennessee.  Which was less expensive?  Flying into Chattanooga or Knoxville airport?  What dates would be good for us?  She never got to fly down.

Eight years since I spent the night sleeping in her room...when we were kids we shared a room.  Then when we moved to Ohio we each had our own rooms, but it seemed like I'd end up sleeping in the extra bed that was in her room because we'd do our homework together and listen to the radio.  Many times I'd fall asleep in her room and just stay there all night.  When we lived together in Wilmore, Kentucky (before each of us got married) it was just normal for us!  Together again!

Eight years since I leaned over her bed and sang one of our songs in her ear and told her where her parts came in...and we had been singing together for many years!  Our first duet in church was "There's a Song in the Air" at Christmas-time in Woodlawn, Virginia.  I was six and she was nine.  That's where it really started and then we went on to sing duets for - basically - the rest of our lives together!  

Eight years since our family members and friends began to gather at a hospital in Cincinnati to say our last goodbyes.  Vangie was already being kept alive by machines.  Did she know we were there or even heard the words we said to her?  Maybe she did.  I've heard that a person's last sense to go was their hearing when they're in a state like that.  I sure hope so.  

There was so much I wanted her to know before she went away.  

We weren't done.  

And eight years since I posted this on Facebook, January 19, 2013:

Vangie is being kept comfortable now. Doctors figure it won't be long before she moves to Heaven. She's prayed for healing for 10 or 15 years and is going to finally get it. And she'll get to meet the two babies she carried under her heart but never got to hold. 

Thank you for your prayers...

I think about my sister every day.  I miss her.  And when it gets close to the date when she went to Heaven, you'll probably see me write about her again.  Numbering the years.  

Always remember...if you have a pulse, you have a purpose.  Make your life count.