As my sister, Alena Stevens and her husband, Mike’s 42nd wedding anniversary neared, I have found myself thinking a lot of my sister. The thoughts have been random in some ways, and natural in others. Alena and Mike have a new granddaughter, who was born on July 11th, and they also have another granddaughter who will be born in the next few days. I really wish Alena could have been here for these births, and I know her children wish she could have been too. We all know she has already met these two little girls, and that she is so happy for her family. Nevertheless, her absence here on Earth has been deeply felt by her family.
Her husband, Mike has felt her absence in the deepest way possible. They were soulmates, and they deeply loved each other. They still do, of course, but for now they must be separated, living in two separate dimensions…Alena in Heaven and Mike on Earth. Nevertheless, the anniversary of their wedding still comes 
each year, and technically they have been married another year today. Alena and Mike married on July 21, 1984, when she was 23 years old and Mike was 25 years old. They met at work, and they soon fell in love. They had found the love of their lives. Their marriage would be blessed with three children, and soon six grandchildren. The only sad part is that Alena went home to Heaven on April 23, 2025.
For me, another reminder that my sister is gone, in one of those “ton of bricks” moments. In many ways, I really hate those “ton of bricks” moments. You see, my living room has one wall that has been wall papered since we purchased the home in 1995. As I was walking through the room the other day, I looked at the wallpaper and thought I might like to put up a different wallpaper, maybe update it some. My thought immediately went to Alena and her ability to redecorate a home. For just a second, I thought I could ask her help, but then of course, I knew I couldn’t. It was a tearful moment for me, 
but then I thought of how happy she is in Heaven, and I knew I would just have to be happy for her, even if my wallpaper remains the way it is for the rest of my life. I know there will be many more “ton of bricks” moments for me and the rest of the family concerning Alena, but today is a day to remember the love she and my brother-in-law, Mike Stevens shared. This is the 42nd anniversary of their marriage. Even though they will spend it apart, their love remains. Happy 42nd anniversary, Alena and Mike. We love you both and miss you very much, Alena.
