Not In A Million Years

I never would have thought…not in a million years…that my younger sister would go to Heaven before me, much less, that a year could have gone by since her home going, but here we are. My heart feels sad, but I know where my sister is, and so, I want to focus more on the beautiful parts of her life and not on the sadness of her passing. So much has happened since you went home, Alena, but then you already know all about it. Your daughter, Michelle and her husband, Matt are working diligently on their home, and I wish you could be here to share it with them, but I know that you can see how beautiful it is. Also, you are about to become a grandmother again…twice!! Garrett and Kayla will be having their baby about July 10th. Lacey and Chris will be having theirs about August 3rd. I’m sure you have already met these two precious babies…and you’re rejoicing for sure. We are rejoicing right along with you. Mike is doing his best, but he misses you so much, as expected. Mike loves you so much, and he always will.

This year has been terribly difficult for all of us. Alena, your presence strangely absent, and yet always with us will always be with us. It is comforting to know that you are with Jesus, living in the presence of our Heavenly Father, and sharing sweet time with Mom and Dad, as well as so many other family members who have gone on before. We will always wish that you could still be here with us, how could we not, and yet, Heaven is so much greater than anything we could possibly imagine, and we are so happy that you can be there. Now we will remember the good times of your life. Your wonderful sense of humor, and impish ways. You loved a good prank, especially if you were the one to pull it. I don’t think anyone could pull a prank better than you could. I really miss that. I feel like there has been a lot less pranking over this past year, sadly.

Always the cosmetologist in the family, you were the one most likely to cut your hair, or anyone else’s. Of course, as you grew up, you became very good at it. What might have started as a real chop job done by a crazy kid, ended up being the only stylist mom wanted to do her hair. It was a big responsibility, but you took it all in stride. You even did Mom’s hair and makeup on her final day, and she was beautiful. We couldn’t have trusted anyone else with such an important look. Now you and Mom, as well as Dad get to spend lots of time together, and we all look forward to joining you all one day. Your presence her will always be missed, but we could never ask you to come back to this place. Life here could never compare. Happy first year in Heaven. We love and miss you very much.