Monday, March 6, 2023
Virginia, my big sister, has, of course, always been a part of my life. Because I have been able to be with her three times in the last several years, I feel we had grown even closer. We shared memories of childhood (she often remembered things I had forgotten, while I could tell stories she didn't remember) and we laughed at those tales.
When I visited her in the rehab center, I was filled with admiration: unable to walk for over two years, she never complained, and her spirit was always positive. Sometimes she fussed -- about the food until the new cook arrived for example -- but for the most part, she took everything in stride. She wanted to go home, but I think that she understood it would take some work to be able to walk again and to be able to take that happy journey to her condo, My sadness is centered around disappointment that that hope was never realized.
The night before her death, I had a dream that I think is significant: I saw her, seated in her wheelchair -- and then she stood up, with a look of triumph on her face, a look that said, "I did it!" I thought perhaps the dream meant she would be healed, but now I believe it was a glimpse at her new, strong, healthy body, as she takes her first steps through the gates of heaven.
Too far away to attend her service, I will be there in spirit and in prayer, with much love to her children and grandchildren.
Aunt Susie
