HAPPY, HAPPY 59TH BIRTHDAY, SIS!

Tomorrow is the first day of fall this year. My 50th class Reunion was held Wednesday through Saturday last week. I didn't even try making it with my breath and mobility issues. I would have had to have had another person with me at all times to navigate everywhere. A wheelchair isn't conducive to bleachers for the homecoming game. 
You are still getting older with Sondra and I every year. We can't leave you behind. Jeff sent me a text after my post on August 27th. He is the only one who is checking on me or asking me how I am. I bet that's one of the many things you loved about him. Ryan and Janell are still doing very well and she helped me out a little when I needed it last month. Tyson is working two jobs trying to pay off their second vehicle purchase. Mindy's car finally died after all these years. They drove it all the way to Pennsylvania after they got married. Their 19th anniversary was in April.
It would be so much easier if I could talk with you for a few minutes. I'll be thinking of you all day. I really really miss you. I will love you always.
Have a great day!!

Hi Sis,
It has been 8 L O N G years and if the calendar didn't say it I wouldn't believe it.
You have been on my mind and in my thoughts extensively this past week. Your girls are so poised, talented, and educated. They have each pressed forward with their goals and job preferences. I know you are immensely proud of them. They are smart, and tough and loveable, just like their Mom.

Along with my continuing health challenges, I made a HUGE financial blunder this week. It is going to take several months to recover if the bank can't get back my money. Back to the health issues, we have seen exceptional progress with the treatment of the wounds on my legs. I feel a part of the Logan Regional Hospital Wound Clinic family. The last three weeks the Doctor has given me a A+. But I get impatient and fast isn't fast enough. Sound familar? I often wish I had just a part of your intelligence. you were SO smart that maybe you could have shared a little bit. You probably would have if you could have.

Hope you are busy, fulfilled and happy. You've got more of the family over there than we have left here. I realize we were truly sisters but I didn't avail myself of spending more time with you. I am sorry about that. I'm glad for the time Sondra had with you and your family.

Ryan is thriving at Legends boxing and has had a significant other since a year ago on Mother's Day. They were made for each other and provide each other with a level of happiness I haven't seen before. Her name is Janell. She has been actively trying to engage with Annie, especially since her Mom passed in April. They get along handsomely. Thomas will be 18 years old next Sunday and is a high school senior. I am still trying to wrap my head around that. I'm older but it hasn't registered in my consciousness that he has grown older along with me. He is taller than almost all of our family and gets a kick out of using his deep voice when saying HELLO, and otherwise addressing you.

I'm glad I have the family I have and am so blessed with their willingness to help me for anything at any time. Their suppport means the world to me. Talk to you soon. Probably on your birthday! I LOVE YOU!

Happy Birthday Mama Sagers. You raised two amazing kids. I wish I could have known you before you left this world, but in a way I feel I do. Holly and Ash tell me so many stories about you. Pretty sure we would have gotten along. You taught them both to be strong and independent, but to still care for those around them. I know they miss you and wish they could talk face to face with you. Know that when they feel this way, even though I am not close to being their mom, I will be there for them and try to comfort them. So try not to over worry and enjoy your birthday. Open a coke and snickers and watch your family celebrate you with love.
Sarah

HAPPY, HAPPY 58th BIRTHDAY, SIS!

It's the first day of fall, again. Perfect weather and a high temperature expected today is 67 degrees. I'm kinda glad I'm through with the fall Little League Football phase. I respect the way you handled your health problems. I'm starting to have to make some long term health decisions. Ryan and his girlfriend seem to giving thoughtful competent advice. I'm listening to the Mamas and Papas as I'm wiring this note. Makes me a little nostalgic as I am having past memories flooding my senses. I miss you. I love you. Don't know how long before we will meet again!

Hi, Sis,
Here we are again. Now it's been 7 long years. I have to apologize for not keeping in touch with Jeff and the girls. It's just physically and mentally challenging to take care of my self from day to day. I haven't been able to clean the house for a few years now, but Ryan has come to the rescue again. In July he washed down all the walls and ceilings in the apartment. Next came the carpet cleaning. He has been a lifesaver. I could use a little bit of your wit and sense of humor about now.
Today is Just Because Day nationally so I writing just because---------------------
You're my sister. I love and miss you. You never complained throughout your adversity and I am trying very hard to emulate that quality you had. I writing just because most memories are now sparked by seeing a picture of you or the family. Then as I look at each face, remembrance of an activity, a shared experience and/or joke become very vivid. We had to postpone the Floyd and Ramona Porter Reunion this year because of Sondra's failing health and also because Sharon wouldn't have been able to make it.
Guess you are also aware that Sondra had an afib procedure and that her health is questionable. On a more happy note, Thomas will be 17 years old next Saturday, September 3, 2022. Don't know if you were into Neil Diamond but I have been listening to a lot of his greatest hits lately. Music can be so comforting and can transport your mind to places you can't get to on your own. It's kind of like memories but with the musical accompanionment in the background.
I'm thankful for you. Glad you were a part of my life. Being the oldest and youngest there were a lot of years that we didn't spend together. It was so wonderful that you included me and the boys on your daughters first few birthday celebrations. I got to see you in the role of being a mother and you were good at it.
Again, I love you. I miss you. It's very comforting to know that we will see each other again.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SIS!

I miss you. Not talking to you or having you come up with a joke. Your wit was quick and sharp. Haven't spoken with Jeff or the girls since our reunion in July. I did send them a thank you gift, though. It happens that today is the first day of autumn, again. I have an ex co-worker who also celebrates her birthday today and we are quite close. Her name is Megan and she has a young family and is a Rehabilitation Health worker who specializes in working with mental health clients. Her traits match more than several of yours. Sweet, kind, loving, compassionate and always concerned about the welfare of others. She is also a devoted wife and mother.

HAPPY 57 years------------!  I love you.

Well now it has been 6 long years, Sis! I have reflecting on the family, memories and just plain missing you. It may be more pronounced since we got together for a Ramona and Floyd Porter Reunion on a Sunday in June. The only person missing was Annie (can you believe she's 22 year old now?) as she had to work. We're trying to make it a yearly event now. Your husband and girls did all the heavy lifting, reminders, setting the theme, decorating and providing most of the food. We all got Reunion bags with assorted items in them, as well. Besides all that Jeff reserved the location. I know it must have cost quite a bit but nothing was mentioned.
I have sent a small check to begin preparations for next year.

Your daughters are beautiful, compassionate, kind and very loving women. They do you proud all the time! I guess Jeff is hanging in there, though we haven't sat down and just talked to catch up. Sondra is struggling health wise and Sharon was even able to come for an hour or so.

I have a grandson turning 16 next week. Thomas has his own set of trials to endure but I can still remember when he was only a baby.

The updates on everyone else you would already be aware of and anxiously engaged with. I'll probably check back in around a month on your birthday.

I love you. I miss you. I am glad you are my sister!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SIS!

Well now we are only 9 years different in age, until my birthday. I always thought that was kind of a fun thing. When I write the number 56 I can't really phantom that in years. Yet I am older than that and I don't feel any different.

Hope that you are working hard and enjoying being with the majority of our family now. Just wanted you to know that I was thinking of you. I love you and miss you.

Hey Sis:

It boggles my mind that 5 years have already passed since you left us. So much has happened and you know a lot of it because they are with you on the other side. For a little catch-up: Micah (Tyson's youngest) got baptized on Saturday, August 1, 2020. It's been a year since Marcel told Ryan she wanted a divorce. With the COV-19 we are still waiting to see if Ryan can make a go of his boxing gym. I am hoping, praying and staying as isolated as possible with still working, not to catch it. Sondra and I are both so high risk, it would be the end of us and we would be joining you. I miss your smile, your laugh, your sense of humor. There is just a blank void in our universe down here without you. It seems Jeff and the girls are doing very well. But, i guess you already know that. I just miss the sense of your being in my world. 

I have been thinking about you and reflecting a lot lately. You are never far from my mind. I love you, I miss you and wish I could kiss you.

Happy 55th birthday, sweetheart! You are remembered and missed today and everyday. I miss getting to spoil you. Leaving a flower at the cemetery just doesn't seem quite adequate, but it will have to do until I get there.

XOXO

Jeff ❤️

I can't believe it's only been 4 years of missing you, your presence, your sense of humor, just YOU! Your family has fared well. Jeff and the girls have seemed to prosper. I always remember your dead pan - straight face look when Jeff's Dad was telling story, or trying to crack a joke. There were a lot of other occasions, too, but that's the I remember the best! I hope there is the big Family Reunion I picture with all of you in heaven together. If you are all working on the same project, there will be as lot of hilarity together with getting a lot of work done.

I miss you, Sis. I love you very much! As Sondra says "take good care."

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SHEILA!!!!!!
I miss you. I Love You. Wish I was more in touch with Jeff and the girls. I'm glad you're where you can watch over them. Maybe even have a little influence. There's probably a Carpenters song about that!
Don't know if you liked Neil Diamond, but I'm a super fan! Today I'm thinking "Song Sung Blue". You've probably aware of my recent health struggles and challenges. I don't know how you did it, but you made it look easy. I know in reality it was anything but. Glad you graduated to where you are. Have a great Birthday!!!!!

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY to us Sis! This year it is the first day of Fall and Native American Day! Know that I'm thinking of you, and love you tons and tons and tons!!!!!!

Hi, Sis,

I was recently thinking about some of the things that we both liked.  Utah Jazz, music from the 1970's, watching the Hallmark Channel.

Well, I'm still doing those things and more. I remember singing together on car rides, catching you at the bottom of the slide at the swimming pool.

I miss you like crazy. It's the great memories that keep me feeling in contact with you. Bet you and Kelly are tearing it up, laughing hysterically, and helping those around you to be happy in your presence.

Your girls are beautiful, talented, kind, willing to help others and a tribute to the mother who raised them. I can't imagine how you triumphaned over your challenges, were happy and grateful through your medical problems and just kept going like the Energizer Bunny for the amount of time you were trapped in your physical body. I am so glad that you were such a presence in my life although there was usually quite a distance between us. I was commenting the other day that more of my family is on the other side. Working, spending time together and looking in on Sondra and I as we are the last "two" standing at this time. You know I like Neil Diamond and all of his songs, but I think of you fondly when I hear "Song Sung Blue".

You were quick witted and never let John stump you with his trivia questions. I just learned recently that you passed away on his birthday. There must be some irony in that.

The legacy you left and your life "well lived" is priceless to those of us who were privileged to know and love you.

I think of you often and very fondly. Until I write again please CARRY ON, CARRY ON, CARRY ON!

Love your oldest Sister,

Seems like Only Yesterday. I knew we had more in common. I love the Carpenters! I play them over and over on Pandora. Happy Birthday Sheila! I'm sure every day in Heaven is a wonderful day, but know that I will be thinking about you today and smiling. Love you!

Hi Sis,
You've have been on my mind so often lately. Pictures of you from family photos, moments in time like you riding your little tricyle like the wind behind me roller skating - trying so hard to catch up.
In your Senior photo from High School and from the family photo we had taken to support you while you were in the band,
Feeling I was too tied up in all my health problems and such to be much of a support to you while you were in the nursing home.
The special time alone while I sang to you and just rubbed your back where I could reach during your time at the McKay Dee Hospital Intensive Care. Telling you to breathe, to relax, that you were loved.
I gave you permission to leave me at that time if you so chose to do so, but you weren't ready yet. Your strength, determination, loving kindness, sense of humor, your quick wit, and how good you were with all kinds of trivia. Jeff's Dad was never able to stump you at least in my presence. You were such a devoted wife and mother. A good neighbor and friend. A Special Eternal Daughter of God.

I miss you, so.
With all my love always,
Your Big Sis, Rochelle

Thinking of you today Sheila. How must it be to be where you are today? Absolutely amazing and beautiful I'm sure. I guess i'll find out soon enough. Love you my friend!

Hey Mama,
We are watching a documentary about The Carpenters. And all I could think of was the times we would sing their songs while we did the dishes. It didn't matter how off key I was or out of tune it was, you just kept letting me sing. And with that, I felt like I was on top of the world. Everytime I hear their songs, I'll remember the good times, wipe away a tear, and keep singing their songs.

I loved Sheila's wit and wicked sense of humor. She was quick and could say something funny and not crack a smile - just keep a straight face - which made it even more hilarious.
 
She was a devoted wife and mother.

My fondest memory is of a Christmas when her and Jeff came to our home wearing santa hats and toting heaps of gifts for our family. It was truly a wonderful time not just because of the gifts, but the joy and happiness and laughter and good cheer they brought with them.

So grateful for the many times we spent together in the nursing home by the Regional Hospital. She loved to talk about her family, but many times we just were ----
thinking, feeling, remembering and sharing the quiet - together.

She loved music and her cats.

She also loved hersheys symphony chocolate with almonds and toffee.

I love you Sheila!