There aren't many people who've been there from the beginning. Besides my parents, I am lucky enough to have been born into a ready-made family with four siblings more or less waiting for me. You'll meet all of them in time, but I'm starting with my big sister Rita, because she's the one who took care of me when I was little, and she likes to stay behind the scenes. She was a natural nurturer and got an early start at mothering when she was assigned the job of babysitting for me and Lois.She curled our hair, took us places, read to us, helped us dress, shared her stuff and took whatever abuse we dished out. Like Mom, she didn't complain.
I remember when she taught us how to twirl batons and let us listen to her Elvis records and allowed us to hang around her friends. When we moved to Morris Ave., she even had to share a bedroom with us. Fortunately for her, Don came into her life, swept her off her feet and married her, so she got a chance to have her own children, then grandchildren and even great-grandchildren. She married a good man, and, together, they also took good care of Mom and Dad in their last years. Like Mom, Rita has a wealth of patience and a huge capacity to love. Like Dad, she knows when to stand up for herself.
I only had my parents for 60 years, but Rita had them for 69 years. I think she was Momma's best friend and Momma was hers. She and Don were with our mom when she died, there to hold her hand and make sure she got "home," just as Mom did for all of us. Thank you, my big sister. I love you.
This is the last photo I took of Rita with our parents. It was taken last March at First Community Village.
2 comments:
My dear little sister, this the last thing I imagined..... seeing a story about me! I appreciate all of your loving words, and would not have done one thing differently.
You are all my family and that was the way I was brought up; to share and help with whatever needed to be done, which has not always been easy!
You are right Mom was my best friend, second only to Don, who has been the ' wind beneath my wings' through all of this. We are both having a hard time coping with not only her death; but Dad's as well. It all happened so quickly, and seems too much to take in.
Yes, I am a behind the scenes person, and prefer it that way-just my family around me and watching as all my grandchildren grow-much faster than I would like! I hope to be able to enjoy them for a many years ahead. Don and I are blessed with two great 'kids' and their families, and we are grateful for all of them.
The world goes on and so will I, sadly without Mom and Dad; but for my own loving family.
And there's not much I can add to this wonderful tribute to my big sis except a huge AMEN!! Thank you and I love you a too!!
Post a Comment