Tender Days
Today is what is known in our family as one of those “tender days.” A lot of people may not understand that term when they first hear it, but for us, it became a reality 17 years ago. It was the day we lost my sister, Pamela.
I remember the details of that day so vividly in my mind. From the phone calls trying to reach her that morning, to the sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach as I raced out to her house only to find it surrounded by police cars and yellow “crime scene” tape. That is an image forever engraved in my mind.
Fast forward 17 years, and the beautiful baby girl my sister left behind has graduated a year early from high school. She’s grown into a beautiful young lady, so full of life, and a smile that will melt your heart.
And my heart hurts that my sister is not here to be an active part of her daughter’s life.
So many things have changed and so much has happened since my sister went away.
She was my very best friend in my adult life, and I felt like a fish out of water when she left this world. Who would I turn to when childhood memories were at the forefront of my mind? Who would I reminisce with? Who would be my lunch buddy, as we went every single work day together.
Then there were no more.
No more memories to be made with her. No more phone calls to chit chat or even to harass each other in our own sisterly playful way. No more lunches to be had, unless I sat on the grass at her grave, which I have done on occasion.
All that I have to hold on to are the memories we made when she was here and the photographs that remind me of her smile, her auburn hair, and her mischievous smile. From the childhood picture that sits on the corner hutch in my dining room, to her glamour shot pictures with her leather jacket with her all dolled up, I treasure every single one. Even the picture from 1996 with my “still stuck in the 80s hair” picture my parents insisted upon. Now I am forever grateful as I glance over at it on my makeup vanity every morning as I prepare to greet the day. Right down to the 1994 polaroid picture I snapped at my house when my sister came over to visit … we were young and playful, having no idea of what the future would hold and how short our time together would truly be.
And my heart mourns the loss.
Knowing what this day means, and feeling months ago that it might be hard to handle, I prepared as best I could in advance. I got tickets for my husband and I to go see Diamond Rio in concert last night. They are a country band that was real popular in the 90s, and two songs stand out in my mind; One More Day and I Believe. It was my way of honoring my sister in a positive way, just as I strive to do daily by living life to the fullest and enjoying every moment.
Summer Is In Full Swing
Wow, I can’t believe I haven’t written since Memorial Day! I have all of these thoughts floating around in my head during the day, but writing time seems scarce these days. It’s a blessing, though. Honestly, from working hard – at a place I absolutely love and enjoy – to playing hard – waterfall seeking at the lake, swimming in our pool, camping in the rv, and horseback riding – this is the life!
If you are a resident of South Carolina or ever consider visiting, Lake Jocassee is a “must-see.” We found this beautiful gem last year when staying at a state park, and we fell in love! It combines two things we absolutely love – waterfalls and the lake! The waterfalls are only accessible by boat, but they are SOOO worth it! If you don’t own a boat, you can either rent a pontoon when you get there OR take a tour with a knowledgeable tour guide. You will not be disappointed!
Last year, we rented a pontoon, and we bought a map that showed us all of the waterfalls on the lake. We got to see a great many that day on our own, but we did encounter some rain on that trip. It was cool also, so we were not able to get in the water. We knew when we left that gorgeous, clear-water lake that we would be back!!
Alas, we returned to Lake Jocassee a few weeks ago, and this time we went on a guided tour. There were more people on the boat than we liked, but they were all friendly, although quiet at the beginning of the tour. The guide tried to break the ice within the first 20 minutes of the tour, and he took us to a place where you could jump off of the rocks into the water below. My 13 year old daughter didn’t do it, nor did we, but it was fun watching the retirement aged tour guy fling his arms into the air as he launched himself off of the rocks and into the water. It was a really cool cave looking cliff, too, so pictures were a must!
The tour was from around 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and we covered a lot of ground in that time. There was a mountainous area we had fun climbing on, too.
We made our way through the waterways, visiting a creek where you could climb up the mountain a little ways, then carefully meander down a steep path that lead to the water. Once at the bottom, you had to be careful not to slip on the wet rocks. Most of us brave ones took great care to lower ourselves onto our bottoms before sliding off into the water. We much preferred this way instead of falling and conking our heads on the rocks below. Others weren’t quite so brave, and they decided to stay back on the boat. The ones who braved the poison ivy laced trail found themselves emerged in such breathtaking and inviting water below in a creek that circled around and lead to the lake. Some swam, others floated back to the boat. It was so perfect for the incredibly hot and humid 100 degree day!
Finally, the tour guide took us to another spot where we could swim under the waterfall! The water was much colder than the creek and the regular lake water, as you can imagine. I put on my life jacket and began to swim out to the waterfall. I got as close as I could with the water beating down into the lake and splashing on me. It was so heavenly, I did not want to leave. I was actually surprised by the current and how hard it was to stay under that waterfall, though. The tour guide was kind enough to allow me a moment longer where I kicked back allowing the life jacket to support me as I relaxed right where I was under the beautiful blue skies with the sound of the waterfall just over my shoulders. My husband snapped a picture, and it is one I will treasure for a long time!
Ah, yes, summer is in full swing! Get out and ENJOY it with your family!
Pause
I love holidays, mainly because they allow us to pause from our hectic daily lives and surround ourselves with family! There’s nothing like bonding and sharing some down time together.
We were so thankful for the weather on Saturday, which allowed for an end-of-the-school-year pool party. This is something we did every year when my oldest daughter was in school, and we are blessed to be able to do this for our youngest now, too. My 13 year old worried over this party all week long, but in the end, a great day was had by all. I had several giggling teenagers in my pool splashing around, then they headed to the hot tub with pizza in hand! And I sat amongst them enjoying every single minute! I found myself throughout the day just smiling and laughing, which is good for the soul!
Blessed.
That is what I kept thinking during the whole day.
Oh, how blessed we truly are to gather together with family and friends.
And how is this possible? Because of the freedom we have in this great country. Freedom that was not given to us without strong men and women fighting every step of the way. There are a lot of things we take for granted. This should not be one of them!
I hope you took time to remember all of the fallen Soldiers yesterday on Memorial Day, but not just that. I hope you remembered their family and friends who are left without them. There are no more memories to be made with them, as their time on earth has ended. All they are left to cling to are the memories of days gone by. So when you pray, lift them up. And when you bow your head, do so with grateful appreciation in your heart for the freedom you have because of them.
