I have no doubt that she went straight into the arms of Jesus but I am realizing how much of a void she left as my sister and I try to fill her shoes.
My sister in law and I did not warm up to each other right away. But over the years we developed an affection for one another.
I sent her a birthday gift about a month before she left this world and she called to thank me. It meant a lot to be thought of, she said. She was so weak from the chemotherapy she received that day she could hardly speak. It meant a lot to me that she made the effort to call.
During the holiday season, we would plan meals together. She was a great cook and always prepared plenty to eat. If she said she was going to do something she followed through.
She was a committed wife and mother. In fact, having her own family was a dream come true. The doctors had said my sister in law would never have a child. But she and my brother prayed and along came my first niece. About three years later, the second one was born.
It has become somewhat of a cliche but I'll say it anyhow. Sometimes we don't know how much someone means to us until after they are gone. And, sometimes, after they are gone, regrets creep in if we've taken that person for granted.
For that reason we need to show those we love how much we care now. We don't have to wait for birthdays or holidays to buy gifts. We don't have to wait for the perfect moment to say "I love you."
We might not ever know the depth, height, width or length of the positive affect our small acts of kindness will have. But we will experience the satisfaction of knowing we did everything we could to love and honor them.
As I write this article, tears form in my eyes as I remember my sister in law's phone call of thanks and I am so glad I made the gesture of giving her a birthday gift. It gives me great comfort to know that she knew I appreciated her.
What acts of love will you perform today for the ones you care about most?
