Memory Never Dies

Summary

The text is a poignant reflection on the author's sister who passed away from cancer, and how the author finds solace in memories and nature.

Abstract

The author recounts the devastating loss of their sister to cancer, describing the rapid decline of her health and the futile efforts of treatment. Despite the pain of loss, the author finds comfort in the belief that their sister lives on through shared memories and the beauty of the natural world. The sister's presence is felt in the colors of the sunset, the rush of a river, and the innocence of a sparrow. On her birthday, the author honors her sister's memory, acknowledging the unbreakable bond they shared and the permanence of their connection, which transcends death.

Opinions

The author conveys a deep sense of loss and grief over the sister's passing, emphasizing the suddenness and brutality of the cancer.
There is a belief in an ongoing connection with the deceased, suggesting that death is not an end to existence but a transformation.
The author finds solace in nature, seeing their sister in various elements like birds, rivers, and the setting sun.
The text reflects a personal and intimate relationship between the siblings, marked by shared laughter, conversations, and trust.
The act of writing and sharing this reflection at the sister's service is a testament to the healing power of remembrance and expression.
The mention of Thanksgiving and birthday gifts hints at cherished family traditions and the joy the sister brought to the author's life.

I will see her in the sunset

I watched my sister die Vibrant one day, ravaged the next Round and round the cancer swirled Gaining ground like a thousand insects

The sweet poisons did their dirty job But the effects were only momentary Like rushing water, C overtook her She succumbed, but not voluntarily

A little sparrow flew into my room Whispering on the wings of eternity We do not die, she said, we live on In the moments we share personally

Little, we giggled under the covers Teens, we talked of romantic interests Adults, we had a bond unbroken In our grey days we had lots of trust

I remember her in the glint of green As the sun shines through the glass I remember her in the burst of blue I lay down on a piece of canvas

We often shared streams of color Flowing freely from our brushes Now I will see her in the sunset And in the blue river that rushes

I will see her in the little sparrow As she flits about gathering straw I will see her in the floating clouds As I watch God’s creations in awe

I will feel her embrace in the wind The stars will remind me of her eyes As they twinkle in the dark of night The memory of US never dies

Today is my sister’s birthday. I lost her a litte over a year ago to cancer. I wrote this right after she passed and it was read at her going away service. She loved Thanksgiving and all the food and birthday gifts.