Always Smiling!

Isn’t she beautiful?  Oh my goodness…the things you forget until you take a trip down memory lane via a photoalbum or three.  This photographs was actually taken in the upstair’s bedroom at my grandmother’s house.  Behind me (and cropped out of the picture) was our Great Aunt Judy.  We were “helping” put up the new wallpaper, or should I say, I was helping.  I dwelled on including this photo for the obvious reason – I look terrible!  Yet…that ear to ear, full mouth smile on my model-like little sister…melted my heart.  How could I not include it?

The photo has been cropped so you can’t see Heidi sitting in such a model pose for the camera as I turn with a full-side view of my less than slender shape (hence the reason it is cropped above our waists, lol).  Do you see the scowl on my face?  I believe I was thinking, “You’ve got to be kidding me, she’s sitting here posing for a picture while I slop this wall paper ick on the wall!”  Aunt Judy is standing on the ladder on its topmost ledge applying the wallpaper while looking out the window.  From her view she could easily see our house, my parents.  It was a fun day and I have many happy memories of wall papering with my our great aunts and aunts.

Another thought crossed my mind (Pat, grab your tissues) as I reflected on this photograph.  Two of the three people in the photo are no longer with us and both left the same weekend.  My great-aunt Judy passed away after a horrific and valient battle with cancer on April 2, 1994.  Yes, the day before Heidi was kidnapped one of our dearest great-aunts passed away.  Our family was saddened with the loss yet at peace knowing she wasn’t suffering anymore. 

Looking to Easter we were all at a loss to celebrate our first Easter without her…we didn’t know that in less than twenty-four hours not only would Aunt Judy be gone but Heidi would be missing and there wouldn’t be an Easter dinner celebration in 1994.  I am so blessed to have grown up in a family focused on God and family.  Getting togther, helping each other out and being there when we were needed was instilled in us from birth…This dreadful weekend was a test of character, strength, endurance and perseverence. 

Between our Irish dispositions, our family ties and unity and our faith…We will survive!

Isaiah 40:31 (NLT)
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.

Lisa :)