Big Sis

A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life. 

~Isadora James.   

My sister, Carole, passed away suddenly last night at the age of 66. My heart goes out to Bev, her life partner of over 35 years, and to Carole’s two sons, Peter and David. My nephews also lost their father very suddenly only two weeks ago.

Carole took me in when I first left home, was there for me through my marriages and divorces, through my single parenting, moves, career changes, and personal angst. She was my cheerleader and my sounding board, my go-to person when I needed a friend. She was a very significant part of my life, and I could always count on her.

She constantly showed me, in little ways, that I was in her thoughts: phone calls, emails, funny cards, little gifts, visits, long chats late into the night. She shouldered much of my share of the responsibility for mom. She always had some treats and a kind word for the critters.

Carole loved Christmas and blackberries and camping by a lake; she loved oceans, and mountains, and capturing nature's beauty through the lens of her camera. She took great delight in her grandaughter, Kaia. She was a good friend to many. She was my big sister and I looked up to her as only a little sister can.

My family is very small but we hold Bev and the boys in the shelter of our love. I cannot imagine the depths of their grief.

Big Sis, I will miss you so very much.