Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Sisters Forever

Lord, help me leave a living trail
Of kindly deeds where I have been,
For I'll not have a second chance
To ever walk this path again.
Viola Jacabson Berg

We attended the funeral of one of my husband's twin Auntie's on Saturday. The picture above was taken two years ago at my MIL's funeral. They turned 97 in February and the family celebrated with a party in their honor. Aunt Pearl (on the left in the picture above)had broken a hip earlier in the year and never recovered enough to leave her wheelchair. So her passing was a blessing as she is no longer in pain. She leaves an empty space in all our lives but most of all in the life of her twin sister.

We never saw them when they weren't dressed in identical clothing. They might have different shoes or jewelry but always the same outfit. In later years they used different hairdresser so sometimes the hair wasn't quite the same color. But, even Saturday, they were decked out in their matching outfits. I'm glad when they get to meet again in heaven they will still match.

I never heard the twins call each other by their given name. They always said "Sister" when the addressed each other. My MIL (who was an oops baby) was fifteen years younger than the twins used to say how left out it made her feel. As if she wasn't a sister too. I am sure the twins never meant to exclude her as they are both very caring ladies.

They both went to the hairdresser and had their nails done every week. No pink polish for these ladies. Some weeks the nails were Christmas red or maybe ripe raspberry. I never ever saw them without thier makeup and fully dressed including their hose. In fact, the pastor said in his sermon he was sure Pearl was in heaven getting her nails done and not a hair out of place.

Up until the last year they both still drove and went to lunch with friends and to church. When asked what they wanted to do on their eightieth birthday they asked for a ride on my husband Goldwing motorcycle. They both came back excited about their first time on a motorcycle. Said their mother would never have let them ride behind a guy on a motorcycle.

So we will miss this feisty lady and I think their twinness (is that a word) which was so much a part of them .

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well, it has always been said that twins share a special bond.

So sorry for your loss!

blushing rose said...

What a loving tribute to them both. Prayers for her soul ... remember the joy & delight of memories. God bless ... TTFN ~Marydon

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

A lovely post about lovely women! The twin that is left behind is so fortunate to have family support and love during this time.

I remember seeing a set of twin girls in a Mall some years ago. One was busy skipping and looking in windows and chattering to her Mother. I don't recall what made me turn and watch for awhile, but I do remember the second twin reaching out to her sister and catching hold of the hem of her dress, losing her grip and catching it again. The first twin reached out her hand now and then to catch her sisters hand. Moments later she would forget and drop her hand and the second twin would get a look of instant panic on her face and reach frantically for her twin.... and then they were gone from my sight, disappearing into the crowd.
I doubt anyone who isn't a twin can begin to understand ...
My heart goes out to the "sister" left behind.

donna said...

Stella, this is one of the most heart-warming posts ever! I may put a link to it on my blog. Right now I'm going to go back and read it again.

DeDe said...

What neat and wonderful women. Thanks for sharing. I hope that I am that full of life at their age. Fantastic

English Cottage in Georgia said...

What a wonderful narrative of two beautiful women. Loved this post.

Jean Tuthill said...

Twins have a very special bond that none us of can understand. Prayers for your Auntie. I'm sure her sister will miss her more than we can know. I'll say a prayer for her, too. I have twin sisters so I know how they are bonded together. You did a lovely tribute to them. Thanks for sharing.

Coralie Cederna Johnson said...

Difficult for a twin to have another depart, especially these two as they seem so close and loving! So sorry for your loss, too. Thank you for sharing...and for your visit today!

Princess Laura Lis said...

What a emotive words! lovely post. We'll pray for her. Blessings!