Memories of my Sister

Guin and Willow,

Today would have been your aunt Mindy's 23rd birthday.  There are so many times that I've wished you could have met her.  One of these days I promise to write her story about why she isn't here, but today I want to celebrate her and tell you all about the amazing person she was.

Mindy was my little sister.  I was five years old when she was born.  My first impression of her was that she looked like E.T.  She was born premature and soon after her birth it was discovered that she had a serious heart problem.  She spent a long time at Children's Hospital and I remember "helping" my parents listen to her heart regularly and giving her medicine.  By the time she was a toddler, her heart problem was gone.  She was miraculous even as a baby.

Mindy was spirited.  She had a contagious laugh.  We played and imagined together.  She was silly.  She ate peanut butter on a spoon every day for breakfast.  We would stay up past bedtime talking about who knows what and dancing to the Little Mermaid music.  We would fight like dogs.  She was talented.  She sang in the talent show in kindergarten and in middle school the girl could beat box better than most of the adults I'd ever heard. She loved creating.  She picked things up so quickly - she learned to crochet and the first thing she made was the giant blue afghan that we snuggle up with on the couch.

Mindy was always happy to see me.  Always.  She gave the most genuine hugs.  She would sit on the floor outside of my bathroom while I got ready for school and watch me curl my hair and we would talk.  She would steal my clothes.  She was my biggest fan.  I went to homecoming with a black eye because I tried to take clothes back from her and she put me in my place.  She was strong.  

Mindy never let anyone tell her what she could and couldn't do.  She was fierce.  She loved and was loved.  And even when things got hard, she and I had a connection that only sisters could have.  I was the last person in our family to talk to her before she died.  I am a better person because I knew her.

Willow - I see so much of Mindy in you.  It terrifies me knowing you have that same fierce passion, and I will do my best as you grow not to project that on you.  But I think Mindy has given me perspective that nobody else could have.  She taught me how to understand you, and she gave me lessons that will make me a better mom for the incredible person you are becoming.

Guin - I hope hearing the memories of my little sister will help you to appreciate your sister even more.  You have a best friend in her.  I have always told you that being a big sister is a VERY important job.  It's not a job I ever took lightly, and you are such a natural.  I'm pretty sure if Mindy had ever known you, she would have seen me in you.  And she would have been proud.

The connection I had with my sister has helped make me the person I am now.  I celebrate her memory, and even though neither of you ever knew her, and though you may not know it, she has touched your lives.

This is my favorite photo of the two of us.  It reminds me of the two of you.

And this is how I remember her.  Silly, brilliant, beautiful.

If there is one thing in the world I can teach you both, it's how important connection is.  The people in your life will help shape who you are.  I hope this gives you some insight as to why I am who I am - because I had a little sister, and even though her fifteen years were short, I love her.

Love,
Mom