"Sisters" A gift from God

The memories flood my brain during the holidays. Does this happen to you? The most festive and momentous times of the year tend to take our brains and hearts on a roller coaster ride of emotions. Some remember their loved one with a saddened heart but know they will meet again one day in heaven. Others mourn their loss because they don’t plan on seeing their special someone in heaven. While others are tossed about in confusion – Do we remember her, at the age of eighteen, when she was kidnapped? Or do we pray she is at least warm and cared for during the holiday?  Depending on the day, hour and sometime minute, where I am, and sometimes the time of the month will determine my emotional state and clarity of thoughts. Regardless of where my emotions might be, one thing is a constant – I love my sister, choose to remember her, and share her with the world. We MUST move forward. Our loved ones don’t want us hiding in the darkness of despair, or physically hiding in the darkness of our homes – God designed us each with a purpose. He loves us and wants us enjoying life, not running from it.

At first glance the top photograph appears to be a typical Christmas morning in the Allen house. This is true but what it doesn’t tell you directly is that we are pack-rats. Do you see that mint green storage container with the white lid? I still have this in my attic. My mom gave Heidi the mint green set and me, a burgundy set. (I wonder if this is where my obsession for cleanliness and order stems from. LOL) these were the best and twenty years prior to the “storage box” age. Of course the selection wasn’t as vast as today, but we were organized. I still love storage containers but in my fabulous forties, I tend to like wicker and baskets (especially the ones with lids) to organize the house BUT those first remnants of organization, both mint green and burgundy are in the attic in case I need them.

Isn’t she the cutest? This picture just makes me smile, I LOVED our Christmas hats. Mom and Dad took us to Enchanted Forest, the Land of Make Believe (I think that is the name or maybe Fairy Tale Land) and The North Pole one summer when we were little. Besides a photo album of memories there were these great hats, hats I believe we wore until that Christmas. Heidi is so excited in this picture, I’m not sure what gift had her so excited but she must have been jumping up and down. She loved the holidays. Anyone close enough to see her smile and here that laugh, regardless of their previous mood – left joyful.

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The hat might be gone but the smile is continuous and contagious. I’m quite sure if Heidi were to know I know only have blogged these photos of her she would have some sisterly love for me, BUT I know for a fact she would be plotting the revenge for sharing this photo declaring her unbrushed hair, glasses and jammies of Christmas morning for the world to see.  Since there are far worse pictures of me, she would not have to look hard to get even. Lol Just the thought of a sisterly season of pranks makes me smile and almost laugh. We had so much fun together.

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Thankfully, aside from the usual sisterly disagreements, Heidi and I were best friends and enjoyed each other’s company. We spent every Thursday together – whether it be shopping at the mall or simply hanging out to watch old movies. Thursday was our day.

The Lord blessed me with another “Sister Day” this month as I shared my story, writing, and Heidi with the community on December 1st, a Thursday evening. I don’t believe it was coincidence, God gifted me with an opportunity to speak for Heidi on our “sister day”. This photo (below) was taken at my bridal shower, at Gram’s and Aunt Nancy’s house. Heidi was my maid-of-honor and I…was blessed to have her by my side.

Sisters are a gift from God. I lost my one and only sister on that fateful April 3rd morning, yet when I accepted Christ as my Savior – I was blessed, and continue to be with so many more sisters. No one will ever take Heidi’s place yet it is a blessing (and probably miracle), I am happy and overjoyed to say – I love all my sisters! Merry Christmas to my wonderful sister-in-laws and sister’s-in-Christ – May God bless you this Christmas season.

If you could tell your sister ONE thing, what would it be?

For beloved sister, Heidi, I love you, you'll never be forgotten!

Today's clip - one of our favorite movies. I can still see the two of us singing it at our Grandma and Grandpa Allen's on Christmas day, and all through our house each Christmas season. Still one of my favorite movies today.