Sibling love can last a lifetime.
~Jean Lindberg
Dear Jean,
How often does life offer juicy strawberries that we walk on past without even noticing?
I’m so glad my dad didn’t walk past you on the day you were moving into the apartment a few doors down, and up, from his. As I recall, he helped with a piece of furniture, and through conversation you discovered you share a 9/28 birthday — one year apart.
When dad tells me the story he always says, “I wasn’t looking to get involved with another woman, but since we shared a birthday, coming up in a just few days, I felt the right thing to do was to ask her out for dinner.” I’m so glad he did.
Like all of us, Dad’s life has seen some ups and downs. He’s set a great example of persistence and making-do for me. After my mom passed, he tells me he did not get involved with anyone because his father had told him stories of troubled times with his step-mother. He sacrificed companionship and endured many lonely years as a gift to me. Isn’t that amazing?
Then when I went to college, he found love and married again. As you know, he lost his second wife to a long, terrible disease. I can understand why he was reluctant to face the potential of love and loss again. But you… You have brought him so much joy. When you came into his life, I sensed a peacefulness from him that had long been missing. It’s like you have re-opened chambers in his heart that were once closed.
Every time we meet, I delight in your warm smile and light-heartedness. Your love of family shines through in stories about your parents, children, and grandchildren. You always show interest in my life and ask questions to learn more. And… You’re one tough cookie. Life has thrown you a number of challenges and you always rise above and keep going with enthusiasm.
Thank you for being a part of Flourishing Fictions.
You make me want to be a better person.
Gratitude and Love,
Gail
I could feel your warmth in how you told this beautiful story. Seems you find a lot of "keepers" or maybe some find you!
This is great!