IN LOVING MEMORY OF MY SISTER, RAQUEL

In memory

of my dearest sister, Raquel

Nineteen years ago...

Today you went home with Jesus,

Walked hand in hand through heaven's gate.

You are still with each of us,

In our hearts your memory waits.

To remind us with each new day,

Our life's are touched by your love,

You're not really far away,

Waiting for us in heaven above

Someday when Jesus calls our name,

One by one we'll meet again,

We'll walk hand in hand the same,

Meeting you at the gate to heaven.

When we miss you and need to visit,

We'll go to the garden and wait.

So we can feel your spirit

Just beyond the garden gate.

Those we love remain with us
for love itself lives on.
Cherished memories never fade,
because one loved is gone.
Those we love can never be,
more than a thought apart,
for as long as there is a memory,
they live on in our heart.

~ Anonymous

AND THAT WAS 19 YEARS AGO!

In Loving Memory of My Sister Janet
Born: February 4, 1940
Died: April 13, 1990

A lifetime of memories I hold
Deep within my heart.
Although God has set you free,
I didn't want to part.
I know someday we'll meet again,
But I'll miss our time together.
Because nothing could replace,
The love shared with a sister.
I'll remember all the silly things,
We used to do and say.
Then maybe it will seem,
You're not that far away.

Things have never been the same since you've left. Gone are the happy days when we would sit down and spend hours talking and laughing about our childhood memories; the mango trees, the small pond, the fragrant sampaguita flowers, and everything fresh and green in our little garden. I remember how we enjoyed singing together the songs of The Platters, Johnny Mathis, and Connie Francis.

It wasn't all that pink to us 'coz we also had our shares of ups and downs. I recall the day when father announced that you were not going to college... you cried and cried and cried. You couldn't bear the thought of not fulfilling your dreams of getting into the university and earning a degree. The college issue was a big blow to you.

When you were at the hospital receiving dialysis treatment, you said, in a very weak voice, ".... I am leaving my children in your care..." And that was 19 years ago, but I still find it difficult today to see beyond the sorrow.

I will forever miss you, Sis!