EMMA MARY, OUR SPECIAL ANGEL

It is early Saturday morning, today is the day, looked at the clock, got up, drank coffee, washed up, got dressed, combed hair, coat on, husband started the car, got in, seatbelt on, ready to go, heart cracking, tears well. I am on my way to say, “Good-bye.”

Quiet drive, eyes out the window, everything seemed the same, the sun is shining, people hurrying, but, inside the car, a mind remembering, tears escaping, wishing it was all a dream.  Arrived at the hospital, talked and hugged nephews, walked through the door going around like a carousel, legs felt heavy,  feet slowing walking, elevator door waiting patiently, pushed the button, door opened-door closed, second floor, turned the corner, a familiar room, coat off, headed towards the door, picked up the phone, it rings, responded,  “I am here to see my sister, Emma,” wide door opened, walked slowly through, turned right then left, heart started beating a little faster, heart cracking inch by inch, stopped, then walked in the door,  another crack, there she is, an angel in waiting.

Sitting by her side, wrapping my hand around hers, kissed her arm, I love you, sweet sister, heart cracks a little more, actually a lot more, then, one by one, tear-stained faces, nephews, niece, brother-in-law, sister, brother, spouses, friends, hugs, river of tears, tissues passed around, listened to the many hearts cracking, then the doctor, last test, the decision needs to be made by her family, assessment is done, same conclusion, no change, decision made, hearts crack a little more, this time, an ocean of tears.

The nurse calls for the Chaplin, more tears flowed, hugs, sister, Donna, holds her hand, brother played a touching song on Pandora, hearts cracking, then silence, all remembering, good times, loving times, mothering times, grandmother times, sister times, friend times, the door opens, Chaplin arrives, said a prayer, tears streaming, massive cracking hearts.

Then the door opens, her husband said, ” We are ready.” Husband kissed her head lovingly, daughter, held her hand on one side of the bed, husband on the other side, son’s hand on his father’s shoulder, another son, stood by his sister.

 It is quick, unplug, removed the breathing tube, she is free of the machines. Then we wait, I held her hand, kissed her cheek, whispered,” I love you.”

My sister held her hand, my arm around her, tears flowed like torrential rain, soon, the nurse walks in, stethoscope, ends in his ears, listened to her heart, looked up, she is gone. The final cracks, our hearts are broken.

Brother, sisters hugging, supporting each other, supporting, our brother-in-law, niece, and nephews, supporting all in the room.  Hugging, loving, hugging, crying, hugging sobbing, hugging.

To my sister, Emma in heaven, you were and will always be loved. I remember the tiny baby, Mom brought home from the hospital. Dad put pillows around me, and Mom placed you in my arms. I was your big sister, you were my baby sister. Em, I will cherish every moment of our time together. I still feel your Christmas hug. Your laugh surrounds me when I look at your pictures.  I am forever grateful for the beautiful sister you were. You are with our Mother and Father now. I can only imagine the reunion in heaven. When you see Lambert and Skyler, please hug them for me. My dear sister, I will love you forever and a day.

I am praying tonight for my sister’s husband, David, her children, Ryan, Alicia, and Ethan, also for Teresa and Macho, along with her precious grandchildren; Trey, Deandra, Lily, and Gabe. Your Grandma loved you all beyond words. When you go outside to play, look up at the clouds and wave, I promise your Grandma will be waving back.

To my sister, Donna and my brother, Lee, we have each other and our memories of our dear, sweet sister, Emma. Hang on to them.  Love you both more than words can say.  Be strong and courageous.