My Mom loved this time of year. She would be so excited to have family and friends close by. I remember Christmas mornings, she would watch us open our presents with a smile as wide as the grand canyon. She would clap her hands and laugh to see our excitement. She truly was remarkable, always excited for what she could for others not for what others could do for her. Her Birthday is almost over and I know she is giving us strenghth and filling us with love. Her joy and compassion for everyone will live on forever. 

I have gone to this site a dozen times with intentions of writing, but each time I found myself at a loss for words.  Penny knows how I feel about her.  I love her so very much, and I miss her even more.  I have chosen to write today to commemorate what would have been her 61st Birthday.
Penny was a very vibrant and beautiful soul.  She had firm convictions, a deep spirituality, and strong opinions.  It is important for me that everyone understands, despite her complexity, she was a very down to earth person who loved everyone very deeply.  She gave of herself to the very end.  She was more concerned with everyone she was leaving behind than she was for herself.  I know everybody misses her and feels a great loss, and we carry a heavy heart due to her passing.  
I'd like to share with you all a little something that may give you some insight into Penny and hopefully a little peace within.  Penny and I had many conversations in the last weeks of her life, and she feared that many loved ones and friends might mourn for her.  She wanted me to tell everyone not to mourn, but to have peace and celebrate her moving on, because that was how she believed.  She didn't look at it as dying, she believed she was moving on. To her, she was just finishing a job she started back in December 27, 1952. Though she wished there were things she had more time to do, like re-connect with old classmates, and repair some troubled relationships, she knew she had acomplished what she was here to do.  She wasn't scared of dying, because she knew she wasn't dying,  she was just moving on.  She was just worried about the rest of us.  Now she is experiencing some much needed soulful rest and evaluation before starting off on her next journey.  
So please, Love her, and Miss her, but try not to Mourn her.  Mourning hurts the one who mourns, and that would sadden her.  Know in your hearts she is in a better place, and she loves you very much.
Respectfully,
Rod

To Penny, I love you, and miss you, and I'll see you when I'm done with my job here. 

My Penny,
I still don't feel you are gone.  I know you always said " I lived in a bubble"  always wanting good things, and trying to push the bad away, and in many ways you were right. It is my way of coping in a world that seems to allow so much pain in, for so many I love and care for.  I never thought I would lose you so soon in my life, and my heart aches not only for your sisters, Carol and I, but for Rod, and all your children and grandchildren, and so many friends who will not have you physically in their lives.  I know you are in the loving arms of our Father, and surrounded by so many in our family who have passed before you.  In that I feel solace, and peace.  I remember you and I talked about the first day of school for me, Kindergarten, and you, first grade.  We had not been separated before, and between the two grades, there was a tall chain link fence.  At recess we ran outside, and intertwined our fingers through the fence to feel the connection that was needed between us, as we were not used to being apart.  Only 11 months between the two of us, but to you, you always spoke of me as "your baby sister"  My Penny, so much time between us was lost, and for that I am sorry.  One day, you, Daddy, Carol and I will be able to laugh together and share so much with our love, and our memories, and most important our time in eternity.  I love you My Penny, and I miss you, your memory and your spirit is always in my heart.  xoxooxxo your "baby sister" susie Q