A Tribute to My Sister
I LOVED HER ALL HER LIFE
I loved her all her life
Though naive of knowing
Trying to love herself
When so young and growing
Her bright blonde curly bob,
Deep dimples, great green eyes
Won love of all she knew
Perfection, no disguise
| ABC |
I loved her all her life
At home she felt so snug
With her family close
Secure, with just a hug
Long blond hair and olive skin
She grew into such beauty
Her path in life, uncertain
Yet, such a cutie-pa-tootie!
| ABC |
I loved her all her life
Married, just out of school
Seamstress, decorator
Happy wife; certainly no fool
Discovered love and joy
The day her son was born
Embraced her motherhood
With grace
And yet her heart was torn
| ABC |
I loved her all her life
Through great conflict and such joy
Valiant struggles, gains and loss
The light of all: her boy
I loved her all her life
Though naive of knowing
Trying to love herself
Through aging and slowing
| ABC |
I loved her all her life
Yet love would not suffice
Pain was constant, growing…
Cost the ultimate price
Such warmth and love she gave
To strangers in her wake
Empathy, compassion
Authentic give and take
| ABC |
At home she felt so snug
Ne’er ventured far away
I loved her all my life
And, she left us yesterday.
| ABC |
So peaceful in her sleep
So beautiful, her rest
I stroked her silken cheek
And knew I had been blessed
| ABC |
For I loved her all her life
Memories abound
Hilarious joking
And such fooling around!
| ABC |
Oh, I loved her all her life
And, that love had an edge
As we sat upon it
I offered her my pledge
I’ll love you all your life
I’m here to hold your hand
You’re my baby sister
Come Judy, come, please stand
Rise toward the sunshine
Rise and greet each day
We’ll find joy together
Believe. There is a way.
| ABC |
I’ll love you all your life
Wish you weren’t naive of knowing
Worked for you to feel my love
Still love you through your going.
My definition of love comes from The Road Less Traveled by Dr. Scott Peck:
“Love is the will to extend one’s self for the purpose of nurturing one’s own or another’s spiritual growth… Love is as love does. Love is an act of will — namely, both an intention and an action. Will also implies choice. We do not have to love. We choose to love.”
This is beautiful and shows your true love for your sister. This truly brought tears to my eyes as I feel your pain and your love. I know that she does too. xoxo Love Ragan
Valerie, my friend, my heart goes out to you and your family. Affectionately, Brendi
Thank you, sincerely, Brendi
Hugs
V
Oh, Valerie. I am so sorry, words cannot say. I am so sorry you have to go through such a deep, deep personal loss again. I am so sorry for the lost future together, and so sorry for the torn-apart heart, both for you and your mother. Please know that loving thoughts are being sent your way. I am wishing you strength and the finding of some small joy in happy memories, and large joy in the holding of your grandson to fill your heart up again. XOXO
Thank you so much, Margaret, for your heart and deeply soothing words. You understand. And yes, little William is most definitely the soothing balm within the depths of such sorrow.
XOXO
Valerie
I’m so sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to you and your family. What a lovely tribute.
Thank you so much, Margarita,
Your condolences lighten the load.
Sincerely.
Valerie
Hi Valerie
You are in my thoughts. I am so very sorry to read about the loss of your Sister. She was much too young. That is a terrible loss for you and your family. What a beautiful poem.
Kind regards
Hanne
Hanne 🙂
I still have not phoned you to thank you for the LOVELY COOKBOOK. I just LOVE IT. It has been quite a couple of months. Your warmth is deeply felt and so very much appreciated. You are quite a gem.
Sincerely and with a hug,
Valerie
Valerie, I am so sorry to hear you have lost your baby sister. Much love and hugs to you and your family as you find strength in the support from each other. Angels winging their way from Ottawa for you.
Judy believed in angels, Anne. She had them near her bed and often spoke of the one protecting her. Thank you. Thank you.
I do believe they are leaving a path of their glitter as they fly our way.
XOOXOX
Valerie
I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your younger sister . I to have a younger sister and could not imagine my life without her in it. We shared the bottom bunk bed for many many years as small children .Now we are both in our 50’s with homes and families of our own – but the bond of sisterhood built of love and memories is strong and critical . Her existence is part of my well being as I am sure your sister was for you. My most heartfelt condolences for your loss. May you all find joy and tranquility in your memories of her .
Dear Heath Needles… I wish I knew who you were, or had a name for you. Your sister is sure lucky to have you. What a tribute you just wrote! Thank you for sharing the love.
Hugs.
Valerie
So sorry for your loss Valerie. Such a beautiful tribute.
Thank you so much, Miss Ginger. 🙂
Ever so kind of you to take and make the time to send a little love our way. So deeply appreciated.
Hugs,
Valerie
Keep her memory strong in your heart allways.I lost a younger brother to cancer in 2008 and his memory and love of life will stay with me forever.
Namasta
Marion,
Death is the ultimate mystery, isn’t it? I have lost loved ones, but until my dad passed away last January, I hadn’t experienced the longing, missing and questions that arose. We just met together for a dinner at the end of January in memoriam and it was so lovely. Two weeks later, we find ourselves facing the death of my sister. I can definitely empathize with you, Marion. You just don’t know, until you are there.
XOXOOX
So sorry for the your loss Valerie. That is a beautiful tribute.Very touching. Take care.
Monica
What a lovely tribute to your sister. I’ve been thinking about Judy a lot – she and I worked in the same office. Other support staff that I have spoken with have the deepest sympathy for you and Judy’s family. The same words have come from everyone I have spoken to about Judy: “Judy was such a nice person”. I am so sorry for your loss.
Alana Ziegler
Thank you ever so much for your words, Alana.
They mean a great deal, and so much also to my mother and her son.
OXOX
Valerie
I am so sorry to hear of your sister’s passing. Your tribute words are beautiful.
I am so sorry Valerie. I found the pain of losing a sibling more gut wrenching than the loss of my parents. My prayers and condolences to you, your lovely mom and your entire family.
Dear Diana,
I am so sad that you have had to also loose a sibling. When died passed last year, I learned SO much. I thought I understood loss, until he died. Then, I understood loss. And, now, I understand sorrow.
It is through our understandings that we grow to support others, and I so appreciate your support today.
Hugs,
Valerie
Dearest Valerie,
What a beautiful tribute you’ve written, I’d say you were both blessed.
Prayers and a huge hug to Edmonton.
I met Judy through a prayer page on Facebook. She became such a dear friend. She had one of the most loving caring hearts. She helped me through many trying times with just her gentle words and prayers. I had many late night talks with my sweet friend. We held each other up. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. My heart hurts. Never thought I can love someone that I have never met in person. But she made that a very easy task. I will miss her deeply. I am so sorry that you have to go through this and I will pray for you and your whole family. Fly high my friend! Xoxo
What a beautiful tribute for a Beautiful Lady! I’ve only known her about three years but she touched my soul! Judy… I love you with all my heart! Until we meet again in Glory , rest in peace my Sister!
Love
Patti
My deepest condolences to you and your family Valerie. I only learned of Judy’s passing when I went to wish her a Happy Birthday via fb and I was shocked, I am still in shock. I also tried to call my dear friend whom I met a little more than 9 years ago. Judy was such a beautiful lady, I loved her dearly and I only regret how we kept on talking about getting together and never made it happen.
This is a lovely tribute to your sister, your beautiful sister whom I’m sure is dancing with the angels.
Thank you, Darlene
It is unfortunate I don’t know her facebook coordinates to put something on there.
🙂
Valerie
Thinking of you again today. dear Judy – and often. We all got together on your birthday last July. Oh, what a blustery day that was. Vanja, Ragan, Mom and I met Denver and Sara in Clive. We drove to the graveyard to visit grandma’s site. Denver was going to bring you so mom could say her good-byes, but it was just too rainy. We had a dinner exactly a year to the day we believe you passed. Denver, Sara, Ragan, Mom, Vanja and I again. You live in our hearts. Life is so short, Judy. I had such hope for the two of us. Such hope!
XO
V
Hello Valerie,
I am a long lost friend of Judy’s . I had met you many years ago shortly after Judy left Red Deer and moved to Edmonton . Kerry Garvin myself and Judy were the three musketeers !! All working together at the T D Bank. When judy left for the US I didnt reconnect with her until her return and she contacted me. We were FB friends and spoke a few times but I just found out through Kerry that Judy passed away last year. I knew of her pain and struggles and with tears of sadness I write this note to you.
With Sincere Condolences ,
Donna Petersen (Comeau)
Enjoyed our chat today, Donna
Big hug
Valerie