Tuesday, November 22, 2011

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.

18 comments:

Sheryl said...

Oh, Jean, I am so very, very sorry to hear this. My deepest sympathy to you and your extended family on your loss.

EvenSong said...

My thoughts and prayers are with and your family. Life is precious.

Anonymous said...

My sincerest condolences to you Jean, and to your sister's family.

Take care of your heart.

Sharon

Anonymous said...

Jean, again, I am so very sorry.

As I reflect back to when you first started this blog and throughout, I so clearly remember smiling at your Big Sis's comments and thinking that they were filled with such pride for you. They were usually gentle teasings, but full of love for her younger sister. I am so sorry for today's tragic event.

Hugs to you,
Ellen

Karen said...

So very sorry for your family's loss, Jean. Thinking of you.

Janice Gillett said...

I can't imagine the depth of your pain Jean, so very sorry.

Anonymous said...

Please take care and hugs to all your family in this difficult time...sadly life is not always easy.

Cheryl

Erika said...

I am so sorry for your loss.
Erika

Funder said...

Oh no, Jean! I'm so sorry for your and your family's loss. :(

vad_007 said...

hi jean,
so sorry to hear of your loss.our prayers go out to you and your extended family..
do take
vadie

Unknown said...

We are so sorry for this terrible loss. From your post, we can tell that your sister will be greatly missed.

Caroline said...

Sending you a great big ((((((((((((((Hug)))))))))))))))))))
I'm so sorry to read this and my heart goes out to you

Dawn said...

Jean, I just learned that my best friend - only sister I have - has lung cancer.

When the one you always could count upon is gone, what do we do?

I share your grief. I guess we must be thankful for the wonderful time we had with them.

Anonymous said...

Hi, Jean
I know you only through your blogs, which I love - but my heart goes out to you and your family at this difficult time.
Brigid

Black Jack's Carol said...

This is a beautiful tribute to Carole, Jean. "Christmas and blackberries and camping by a lake.." She enjoyed the good things in life, and she was loved. I am so sorry.

David said...

Hi Jean - thank you for your words about mom - it is wonderful to hear how she helped family (and friends I am sure) in her life.
David

Jean said...

Thank you, everyone, for your kind thoughts and your prayers. It is a difficult time and helps to feel cared for and watched over, even via the internet, by others.

David, she was indeed helpful to everyone - she had, as they say, 'a heart of gold'. And her sons are a lot like her. Love ya, kiddo.

Birdlady said...

Jean, I'm so sorry on the loss of your sister. You will surely miss her being all those wonderful things to you. My heart goes out to you and your extended family on such a huge and sudden loss.
~ Audrey ~