Happy 80th Sis

 

Betty, do you remember how Grandpa Joe used to call you and me and all his other six granddaughters Sis? 

I always thought it was a term of endearment but maybe he just couldn't remember all our names. 

I wish you could be celebrating your 80th birthday with a big family gathering as I did mine.

Instead you only lived another ten years after your high school senior picture was taken.

The Autumnal Equinox occured on the 22nd this year though often it fell on your birthday. Blue was your favorite color because your birthstone was a blue sapphire.

I wish I could remember what we were dressed up for when this photo was taken. I bet you would remember. It must have been the last one taken of the two of us - at least it is the last photo I have of us together.

I will never forget the details surrounding your death. Mom's call telling me you had a cerebral hemmorhage and that you were in the hospital in Omaha. Being there with other family members, being so scared. Taking turns every hour when we were only allowed five minutes in your room. Having to go back to work then hearing that you were getting better, making the trip back to Omaha only to be told when I got there that you had died. Three weeks after your birthday. Two days after your daughter's 5th birthday.

I haven't talked to Kristi in quite awhile. Last I knew your granddaughter Jesse was going to school to become a lawyer. So when I went to her FB page this morning a saw that she now lives in Louisiana I was surprised.

But they were back for Balloon Days this past weekend because I saw this photo of your granddaughter Jesse and great-grandson Boston.

Here's another of him celebrating his 4th birthday which was the 21st, just two days before your's.

I'll always wonder what your life - our lives - would have been like if you had gotten another fifty-two or more years.

Would we still be jealous of one another? Sibling rivalries or best friends? 

I'd like to think we would be enjoying being in one another's lives - living in the same town.

And bragging about our great-grands.  😊