My late sister Patsy was born, two weeks late, on January 26, 1953. I was five, so I was very entranced by her arrival into our family. She was the most cheerful of the four of us, born smiling and smiling broadly as death approached. I can hear her laughter sometimes in my mind when I think of her.
Grief is a strange companion. I cruise along for a while and then get hit with it. This time it showed up when I was wondering what to get her for her birthday. After Christmas, I always started putting together an array of big and little presents to send her. I was stopped in my tracks by the reality that I didn’t need to be on the lookout for the tender faith based things she treasured.
When my granddaughter was four, she turned to me in a matter of fact way and said “You are going to leave here first because you got here first.” I always thought of my sister that way too. She was going to outlive me because I had a five year head start on her. It seemed reasonable that we would enjoy the same length of life. As anyone who has lost a younger family member knows, it doesn’t work that way.
Happy Birthday Kid.
Saved By Words 
The simple way you tell this is so touching.
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Thanks. I appreciate knowing it came across the way I intended. She was not a fancy person, so I wanted a simple tribute.
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I never had any siblings, but I can genuinely feel your emotion in this post, Elizabeth.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Thanks, Pete.
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Love this post.
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I am sorry for your loss. I’m sure Patsy was thinking about you yesterday. ❤
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😇
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I understand this. I am touched by this very simple tribute to your sister, Patsy.
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Thank you. I like remembering her this way.
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Lovely tribute Elizabeth…& such sweet memories of a dear little sister!
Blessings,
Jennifer
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Thank you.
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Thank you for sharing Elizabeth.
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