Sisterly Love

I have spent several days now with my parents, son, niece and nephew. The visit has gone very well and I have been happy to have this time to spend with them. Although everyone is still dealing with the loss of my sister in different ways, we are all able to talk and share our feelings with each other. We found out yesterday that Audra died of pneumonia, she had not gone to the doctor since being told she was having an anxiety attack and was not taking medication for a persistant cough.

My sister had been attempting to get her life back together by getting off of pain medication and attempting to re-establish her credit. She had a goal in life and taken the bull by the horns. She was a go getter and was determined to make her way in life. She was determined to survive no matter what.

This past April at my wedding I saw the sister I knew and loved. I saw the smile and bright shining eyes and I saw the spunk in her that I had not seen in some time. I knew she was going to make it and she did!!! My sister survived and made the step into a healthy new life. She was drug-free when she died and happy. She had her faith and knew what steps she was taking to take back her life. I believe she was successfully finding her path back to independence. Audra was a beautiful woman, fun to be with and always a great laugh. I miss her very much, she is, was and always will be my very best friend.

We had arguments like sisters do, but we always knew that we would always be there for each other. She and I were very centered with each other since the wedding. She was happy for me and I was very supportive of her. I have been very comforted by stories of my sister's recovery process and feel that she was confident in her recovery. I do wish my sister were here now, though. I want to share in her success and cry when we both stumble. I want to tell her about the children and just hold her. I miss just sitting with her and chatting. I want to tell her one more time how much I love her.