February 17, 2009

Flower in the Rain

Tough day. It's my baby sister's birthday. She would have turned 47 today if she hadn't rolled her Hummer on October 2, 2008, and died as a result. So with your indulgence, I'd like to rewind last year's post, which was the first since she'd been gone.

In life, my sister had financial wealth and a closet stuffed full of high-dollar clothes to prove it. While she could be very Me-Me-Me, she was conversely very generous. She was particularly generous with her clothing, and regularly took less advantaged women into her closet and said, "Pick whatever you want." I had mentioned this practice in her eulogy and, afterward, women approached to tell me that they were one of those needy, but fortunate, women whom Dee had invited into her closet. As I have many of Dee's things in my own closet, I sometimes feel her there with me in the morning, when I'm getting dressed. She gives me advice on what to wear and accessories that go with it. It's this feeling of being near her that I hold very quietly and dear in my heart . . . in my closet where it's just Dee and Me-Me.

The pictures below are of us sisters, Dee, Eryn (our middle sister), and me the eldest. We were at our parents' home in Lott, Texas (2001), and this was one of my favorite memories with both sisters. We all lived so far apart, it was hard to get us together at the same time, and when we did, it was just like we were kids all over again.
All the girls: Eryn, Me, Dee, and Mom
Dad with all his girls: Ma-Dee, Mimi, and Star.
Sisters, Sisters. There were never such devoted sisters...
Here we are being silly, the way only silly sisters can. This was how we broke in Dee's new man (with my oldest daughter watching over us -- learning how to be a silly grown woman, of course).

My sister went on international mission trips for her church and dressed as a clown for all the kids, which suited her personality to a T. She was nothing if not the life of the party. She was an unstoppable force from the moment she entered a room until she left it. No one got out alive without her leaving an impression.

Dee also had a real talent for singing, and it was in her early forties that she really took that talent from her church choirs to the next level by performing as lead singer with a band called Outside Over. She rocked the house at every gig with her sultry, smoky voice. An unusually melodic blend of Stevie Nicks and Janis Joplin. She would absolutely love it, looking down on us all today, if you would drop by and say hello -- listen to her music on our tribute video here. That's Dee singing in the background (just some old cuts that the music guy at her church happened to save -- thank God), but that ain't your grandma's church music! If you make it to the end of the video, you'll see her sing at one of her best friends' wedding, a fabulous version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow. Enjoy.

I love you, Dee Dee. Your "power" is touching me today, and I miss you incredibly. Mimi..

32 comments:

Pseudo said...

A beautiful post and tribute to your sister. I am the middle of a trio of sisters. We live in Florida, California, and Hawaii. But when we get together it is as if time never passed.

My thoughts are with you today.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing this with us. What a wonderful way to remember her. Off to watch the vid.

Hallie

foxy said...

Beautifully stated, K. It was such a great video, too. Wish I would've had the chance to meet her... sounds like she was a real charmer... :)

Anonymous said...

the video is fab - and "Over the Rainbow"? a treasure... hugs to you and your family today.

Unknown said...

Your words paint a beautiful picture of your sister. How blessed you are to have these cherished memories. I'm off to watch the video. Thank you for sharing your sister with us!

~AM

Lori said...

What a beautiful tribute to your sister. I am sorry for your loss and my thoughts are with you and others that still miss her today.

Frank said...

In the quiet hours, I ponder upon eternity. I do not know if challenges such as these are assigned by the infinite, or chosen by the individual. But I have come to recognize that they mark the path, and identify the greatest of those we are privileged to walk beside, in this test we call life.

My heart aches to witness the pain you are immersed in, and I feel privileged to share vicariously through your writing.

Mary@Holy Mackerel said...

What a wonderful tribute to a wonderful sister. I'm sure she's sending you kisses from above.

Wunderwoman said...

Over the Rainbow is one of my favorite songs!!

Great tribute for you sister

Anonymous said...

What on earth would cause a hummer to roll?? Your sister was beautiful, energetic and what a voice!! So much energy to be gone from your life and of her family's. I've lost both parents and that hurt, but when I lost my brother, I was crushed. Now, I'm hanging as close as I can to my sister because I know that losing a sister has to be like losing a part of yourself.

Smart Mouth Broad said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family today. This was a lovely tribute to your sister who I remember you saying was another Smart Mouth Broad. *wink*

Julie D said...

Well, that made me cry. I lost my sister 5 years ago today, so I know exactly how you feel. Big hug to you today (sorry I'm a day late)....

Anonymous said...

You are in all our thoughts. The most wonderful people are taken from us way to soon.

That was a beautiful tribute.

Anonymous said...

An incredibly beautiful post and tribute. I'll be thinking of you today and hope you find this day filled with fond memories of your incredible sister.

Midlife Roadtripper said...

Sometimes we forget the heartache our friends hold. Such a lovely post from a lovely woman.

Anonymous said...

A beautiful birthday tribute to you equally beautiful sister. May she rest in peace.

Twenty Four At Heart said...

What a nice tribute to your sister. I loved the pictures. It's such an important reminder to all of us to be grateful for the time we have with loved ones.

Stepping said...

I am the oldest of three girls and remember well the "growing up" years. My heart goes out to you.

Vic said...

I read your post yesterday, and had no words. What you wrote was so beautiful I couldn't do it. So instead I thought about my sister all day, and was grateful she's still around. (I may even call her! :)
Thanks for sharing your memories of your sister with us.

Unknown said...

How wonderful of you to share this personal story of your sisters life!

Hurricane Mikey said...

Hey... I don't come here often, but I'm glad I stopped by here today. It was a wonderful thing to read, and I would be devastated if I lost one of my siblings.

sallymandy said...

Thanks for sharing this. You're strong to remember your sister with such clarity and love.

nikkicrumpet said...

I am so very sorry you lost your precious sister. But what a beautiful tribute this post was. I loved the pictures...especially the silly ones. I'm sure she's smiling proudly from heaven...nudging the other angels..and saying "hey that's my sis!"

nikkicrumpet said...

Oh and I hope you don't mind but I did a link from my post to your "smoooth" post...I had to make sure that nobody missed all that funniness!!!!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful profile of such a beautiful girl.

She will be remembered always!

Anonymous said...

Hi,
I work in a mortuary. Although all deaths are sad and some worse than others, I feel a particular sadness for people who lose siblings. They are the people who have known us FOREVER, they were on our team against the parents, they know everything about us. So, my sympathy to you.
Jenny

mac said...

I am sorry for your loss.

Keeping her in your heart is a wonderful thing.

Nanc Twop said...

I'm sorry for your loss, but I'm glad you have all your great memories of her. Thanks for sharing.

Nanny Goats In Panties said...

That was beautiful. And sad. You're amazing.

Anonymous said...

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Madame DeFarge said...

Lovely post and worth reposting. A great tribute. Hope all well with you.

♥ Braja said...

Kimber, honey....I had no idea...it was that month I started blogging, and when I remember finding you, it was all up and happy and funny...you hide your pain well, and live a positive energy in tribute to your sister...no wonder you were all close