Back in March, I had written a post called "And then there were four". It was in tribute to one of my brothers that had passed away much too young. I can't believe I am writing another tribute again so soon and just couldn't bring myself to entitle it " And then there were three". It just didn't seem right. But yes, now there are just three of us left. My sweet and VERY brave sister died yesterday after a 12 year bout with cancer. She was 47.
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| High School Graduation - 1982 |
We had hoped to visit her the week after Thanksgiving but things had moved too progressively. She went into hospice on Thursday. Her husband called us Saturday afternoon. Within an hour, Dear Hubby and I had packed our bags and were on the road to Battle Creek, Michigan . . . a 12 hour drive. We took turns driving through the night and arrived at hospice at 9:30 yesterday morning. She died at 11:30. We had made it in time to hold her hand and to tell her we loved her.
We are still in Battle Creek. Hard to believe that just a week ago I was in sunny south Florida. Tomorrow we make the long trek back to South Carolina, Wednesday to North Carolina for a viewing, Thanksgiving at the in-laws and the funeral in Fayetteville, North Carolina on Friday.
I can't believe that I have lost two siblings in one year - two YOUNGER siblings.
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| Dave on the left and Cheryl in the middle at her college graduation. |
I don't have many pictures of her on the external hard drive that I brought with me.
She was a very cute little girl.
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| She is in the middle front with David on the left. Me in the back row with the WHE (worst haircut ever!) FiberGuy hadn't been born yet and SeabeeBoy is the one on the right. |
The picture below is of Cheryl moving into the college dorm. For any of you that know me personally, yes, it does look very much like me (maybe 20 years ago). Although she was 6 years younger, sometimes we were mistaken for twins which really irritated her!
She leaves behind her husband, Dale, who happens to be one of Dear Hubby's best friends from junior and senior high school (that one was hard to explain at their high school reunion!) and two teenagers who are very remarkable people.
45 comments:
keeping you and your family in our hearts and prayers
Cathi, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers. Take care,
Oh Cathi, I'm so sorry. I've just lost my dad, and can't imagine losing a sibling. I'm glad you have so many good memories of your sister. Hugs.....
Cathi, your post just broke my heart. I have two younger sisters and would be devastated to lose either one; I can only imagine how hard it must be to lose two siblings in the same year.
Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you, dear friend.
Big hugs,
Pam
Much too young to pass away.
Cathi, I was so sorry to hear about your sister. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family. What a sad weekend it has been.
You and your family are in my prayers - blessings to you all.
So sorry for your loss. You wrote a lovely tribute. Your blogger friends will be thinking of you and your family during the days and weeks ahead as you mourn. Be well and keep strong.
I'm so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. What a beautiful tribute to your sister. I wish I could take your pain away. Hugs, Toni Anne
Cathi...I am so sorry for your loss. Take care and know that lots of prayers and hugs are coming your way...may you find peace and healing.
Oh Cathi! I am so deeply sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.
My heart grieves with you. I to, lost a sister to cancer and still miss her after 5 years.
I am so sorry. Cherish your memories.
My heart breaks for you... I want to type something to fix this and just can't. Know she's not hurting now and you have such great memories to hold onto. As cliche' as it sounds, " it's not what you lost, but what you had that counts...." Prayers for your whole family-- Godspeed....
I'm so sorry for your loss. It was good that you were able to be with her at the end.
I am so sorry about the loss of your sister. One of my sisters passed away in May this year. She also had cancer. I wish I had the right words to make this easier for you, but know that many people are thinking of you and your family at this time.
I am saddened to read of your sister's passing, so young, and so sweet.
I am awaiting word on the condition of my son-in-law's father, who also has been battling cancer for the last four years. He was in the care of Hospice at home, and is gently slipping away.
So very sad, my thoughts are with you and your family.
Hugs,
~Jo
Cathi, I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your sister. May you find some peace in all of this.
Be safe in all your travels.
Embrace the memories.
Thoughts and prayers being sent your way for you and your family.
Blessings
Robin
Cathi, I am so very sorry for your loss. I'll be praying for your family.
So sorry for your loss. Your sister was beautiful and it sounds like she fought hard. I'll be praying for your family.
Blessings,
Marcia
Cathi I'm so, so sorry...wish I had better words...sending lots of thoughts for you and your family. Take care.
I read this and cried, my heart breaks for you and your family, loosing 2 loved ones so dear to you in one year. I am praying for your sister's Hubby and her two wonderful children.
Your sister is right there with everyone. She is in no pain and is in a wonderful, peaceful and painless place BUT she is right by her family's side. I do believe they see us and(all the good down here and your sister is with her brother.
I hope this gives you comfort.
God Bless you and your family and Please let your sister's husband and children know there are people like my husband and I out there praying for the family.
Blessings and Hugs,
Kenneth, Tricia and our 2 sons!XXOO
Hi Cathi,
I was saddened to hear of your sister's passing, and please know our thoughts and prayers travel with you and your family.
Cathi I am so sorry to hear this. I know it's no real consolation, but at least you were able to be with her at the end.
I'll be thinking of you all at this sad time.
Dear Cathi,
I just can't imagine how one deals with loosing two siblings in such a short time.
Your sister was beautiful as you are are too...and I see the similarity in looks.
I'm so sorry and send my prayers to all of you.
BlessingsHAPPY THANKSGIVING
KAREN
So, so sorry for your loss. It's just terribly sad to lose someone so close, let alone two siblings in such a short time. I will send prayers your way.
Cathi,
So sorry to hear about your sister. What a wonderful time you all had growing up. I know you will miss her tremendously. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Cathi, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. What beautiful pictures you shared.
Hugs, Shazy
Cathi, I am SO very sorry to hear this news. I can't imagine the sadness you must be feeling now. I will be keeping you and your family in my thoughts as you take this journey of loss in your life. Sending tons of hugs . . . . and remember I am but a phone call or a keyboard away!
Cathi, I am so sorry to be reading this. She must have been an amazing woman to have fought cancer for 12 years--such strength. My prayers are with you and the rest of her family.
Cathi,
I am so very sad for you and all your extended family. Cheryl was a beautiful lady. May you all find some comfort and peace in knowing she is no longer suffering.
Hugs,
Lola
It was so hard to read this post and not cry. I am so sorry. Good that you got there before she passed but so sad for you. Wonderful pictures and memories.
Dear Cathy and family,
I am so sorry for you and your family, she look's so nice on the pictures, you post, that I am sure she was a lovely person outside and inside. We will pray for her and all your family. Today she is delivered and it's the end of her suffuring, she is in peace. Sorry for my english, I hope you understand me.
Best regard's
Cristel
I'm so sorry for your loss, Cathi. It's been a rough year for you.
My thoughts and prayers are with you, your and your late sister's family. Hang in there my friend.
Oh Cathi, my heart is filled with overwhelming sadness for you and yours. I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your sister. I will keep you, yours and all extended family in my thoughts and prayers.
Here's a big (HUG).
My heart aches for you and I have tears in my eyes. HUGS.
I am so very very sorry for your loss. Hugs, Beth
I am so sorry for your loss.....my thoughts are with you during these hard times.
Oh, Cathi,
I am so sorry to hear about your sister. It is a sad thing and I will pray for you and your family.
Hugs, Carrie p.
So sorry to read of your loss.
Hugs,
Becky
Oh Cathi
I am soo sorry to hear about your sweet sis. I can absolutely see the resemblance.
Keeping you all in my prayers!
Leann
My sympathy to you and your families.
So very sorry to hear of your heartaches. May angels whisper words of comfort while God hold his arms around you.
I'm so very sorry to read about the loss of your dear sister. I cannot imagine how difficult this year has been for you. My thoughts are with you and your family. Hugs from GA
Cathi, I had no idea. I am so very sorry for your loss. I can't even imagine what that must be like. Our family buried three family members last month but I still can't imagine losing a sibling, let alone two. I know there are no words that I can say to make you feel better but I will definitely be praying for you.
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