The sun sets on another day…
Sunset was a surprise and was spectacular to say the least. The photo above is from G. Samples as I was driving to a spot and there was no sunset there. As I drove further I saw it but could not get a picture.
53 years go I met my little sister. She was not anything unexpected, but our relationship became something of an unexpected mystery. Since we had an age difference we did not always see eye to eye. I was focused on a lot of weirdness as a child, and she just wanted to be a part of it all. I had home movies at one time of me taking care of her at a young age, laughing with her, and playing with her.
We grew up at odds often. Like most siblings we liked to irritate each other. Some times were funny, some were good, some were not so good. Times were different when we grew up and all we had were each other. Our family life was often me cooking dinner, putting her to sleep and wondering when our mother and stepfather would get home. Unlike todays soft world my responsibilities for caring for her started when I was 8 and although we sometimes had sitters, more often we did not. This meant that growing up was a series of over the top events. Everything from having flour fights in the kitchen to watching a tornado touchdown near us while we watched from our home alone.
Although we fought, well, a little bit, we would never let anyone attack either of us. She was there for me when I needed her, and I was there for her when she needed me. I could tell stories all day and some of them would make you laugh pretty hard. In the end when she called I would be there, and when I needed her, she would take my side and look for the truth. I remember an ex girlfriend taking me to the cleaners. The girl even turned some people against me by deciding her side of the truth needed to be out there faster. An aunt wrote to me and explained she was on my ex’s side. It was not until years later I got the whole story and realized the truth was 180 degrees from what the aunt knew. Pam was there, on my side and even got into a situation protecting my name. By the same token I had some discussions with a few of her boyfriends at her request that eliminated them from bothering her again.
All that and more. Today is her birthday and on this special day I hope she finds a little peace and knows when she needs me, I will be there. I hope she knows that we found a way to become more in a life that gave us very little. We overcame being alone because we had each other. I hope she knows that every day I am proud of her, and though we live far apart, it is never too far.
So as the sun sets on another day, happy birthday little sister and I hope you find peace today. Remember I love you, no matter what.
Sleep sweet, love life, and cherish every day…