Dear Sis,

Well here we go 🙂 To be honest I have no idea how this will all unfold.  What I do know for sure is that I miss you.  So for me, this is therapeutic, as I now officially have you joining me along the way.

I remember one evening, we were sitting at your kitchen table, counting out all your pills for the week.  You were taking over 30 pills a day.  You said,  “Kathy,  MSA is going to take over my body.  Not only are my children going to have to see me deteriorate but I feel so sad for you and Brian.  You both lost mom and dad and now me.”   You knew your destiny yet your concern was for everyone else around you. It is who you are.  You have always been so kind to everyone.

Karen, I will admit that I had some fear around blogging.  I kept thinking, “Everyone is blogging about travel, fashion, food or being mom.  What is my theme ?”  Well my theme is simple.  Each blog will be dedicated to you.

Ten days before Christmas, I quickly rushed into the mall, to use the bank machine.  I passed an elderly couple and a young lady in a wheelchair.  They were volunteering for  the Salvation Army.  I said  hello and kept walking.

On the way back, I stopped to donate some money.   The young lady in the wheelchair reached out for my arm and said something.  I could not make out her words.  So when I asked her what she said, she slowly responded, “It is because of my good looks that you came back didn’t you?” The biggest smile came across my face and I instantly had tears in my eyes.  I held her hand, looked straight into her eyes and said,”You’re damn right it is because of your good looks that I came back.”  She squeezed my hand harder and said,”I…love… you.”

I then turned to the lady next to her and asked,”Is this your daughter?”  “Yes it is,  her name is Bev.” I asked, “What happened to her ?” “She was in a car accident when she was 14 years old.  She is now 42.”

For the next 20 or so minutes, Bev told me one joke after another and I told her about you.   Together we connected through humour and stories.

I haven’t really put too much thought into what I am going to blog about, however I simply hope that my stories will give you a little something to look forward to.   I truly believe that I will find a story to share about your beautiful children,  my daughter Jenna, our brother Brian and his family, JP, our extended family, friends, girl talk, strangers, men,  vacations and how you managed to find a man while in the hospital who has cared for you everyday since April 2012.   All I know is a phrase that our dad would say,” There is always a story to be told.”

Karen,  I am so grateful that for the last 50 years, I have had you for my sister.    You have always been there for me.   I can still hear your voice, saying those famous words to me,  “Kathy, it’s not always about you!!!”

Well you know what sis ?  This time you are right.  It’s not about me.   It’s about us.

I love you sis,

Kathy xo