A Tale of Two Sisters

Valentine's Day plans were temporarily set aside as we had the opportunity to attend the funeral of our sister-in-law Winifred's sister, Delia.  We've always known Delia through Winifred, but for several years after Bubba's dad died, we attended the church where Winifred and Delia were raised.  During that time, we came to know Delia as a gracious, friendly woman who was an integral part of the church.  She had an amazing musical ability that she passed down to her children -- how fitting that her little granddaughter is named "Melody".  It was obvious that Delia and Winifred were beloved by the congregation of that church.  Both had been actively involved in the music program playing the piano and organ and singing ever since they were just girls.

Many years ago when Delia's children were little, she had cancer.  While she underwent the required surgery and treatments, many times the care of her children was entrusted to her sister.  These children grew up loving Aunt Winifred like a second mother.

Delia's family and Winifred's grew up not far from each other.  The families enjoyed many vacations and special occasions together.  Sometimes their mother, Ms. Catherine, would go with them.

Then one day that hateful disease returned.  Delia required surgery to her cheek that created a hole all the way to the inside of her mouth.  The site of her surgery healed so slowly.  She continued to attend church and participate in the music program with a bandage on her face.  Then she faced radiation and eventually was only able to take nourishment through a feeding tube.  She attended all the family get togethers and church fellowships never partaking of any food, but always bringing her special recipes for others to enjoy.  During this time she was able to attend the weddings of two of her children as well as the weddings of both of Winifred's boys.  She was able to know her little granddaughter Melody and her grandson Silas.

Following a fall that fractured her hip, Delia continued to decline.  By this time Winifred had retired and devoted herself to helping Delia any way she could and at the same time tending the needs of their aging mother.  For three years Winifred has been her mother's principal caregiver.  She told me that she was going to miss Delia so much because even though she had not been able to help physically with their mother, she was always there to help make decisions and give encouragement.

Then there was a second fall and another hip fracture.  Following that surgery, Delia developed pneumonia and although she tried she did not have the strength she needed to overcome and recover.  She died peacefully with her children by her side.

There was probably no one more devastated than Winifred.  Not only was Delia her sister, but she was Winifred's lifelong friend.  Winifred has told me stories about how they grew up together with seldom a cross word between them.  They made washing and drying the dishes fun by singing while they worked.  When the time came to attend college, they lived together and enjoyed it.

Today there was a parting of those two sisters.  Delia has gone to her heavenly home where she is free from the suffering she endured here on earth.  Those who knew her were blessed.  The large number gathered to pay their respects is witness to the life she lived.  Winifred is going to greatly miss Delia.  There is no doubt about that.  But I suspect like many years ago when she tended Delia's children for that first time, she will be there for them now and I think that is what Delia would want.  How blessed they were to have shared such a close relationship for so many years.