How do you process the loss of a relationship that spanned over five decades? How do you quantify a relationship that withstood a long period of separation followed by the genuine joy of rediscovery? How do you say goodbye to someone who has been a part of your life throughout the years, someone who you thought would still be there long after you departed? I guess you just take it slowly and a day at a time; softly and philosophically. To say that Jeanne's passing came as a surprise and that it has left an emptiness in my heart would be an understatement, but my memories of her and the antics we got up to always bring a smile to my face. And, so I let those memories guide me and bring me to a place of acceptance and understanding and I hope that all your memories do the same. I'm so sorry Bob and Scott. So very sorry.
I remember when you all first came into my young life. My mother befriended this striking red-headed woman next door--a highly intelligent, fascinating, humorous, and accomplished woman by the name of D. D. Jacobson. It didn't take long for those two kindred souls to realize that, although they were not related by blood, they were true sisters-of-the-heart. Together, they forged a bond which enveloped all of us and that's how I found myself, an only child, with a little brother (Scott) and sister (Jeanne). Playing with you, baby-sitting you, watching you both grow, made me feel like I was part of a larger family and for that sense of inclusiveness I deeply thank all of you.
I want to conclude this with Mark Twain's rendition of an obscure poem by Robert Richardson. Although Mark Twain is famous for his acerbic wit, some of his most memorable and powerful sentiments were written when he was being serious. When his beloved daughter passed away at the age of twenty-four, knowing that poems should be a crystallization of thought and that there is extraordinary beauty to be found in simplicity and eloquence, Mark Twain crafted this beautiful sentiment for his daughter's headstone. It never fails to bring tears to my eyes and somehow it seems appropriate for Jeanne.
"Warm summer sun,
Shine kindly here,
Warm southern wind,
Blow softly here.
Green sod above,
Lie light, lie light.
Good night, dear heart,
Good night, good night."
Rest in peace my little sister.