Letter to Sister

Dear Sera Rae,

It was just another day at our house. Kids running around, our older brother yelling at the children to behave, our stepfather in the kitchen cooking the usual pancakes and bacon for breakfast. I was in my room asleep when all of a sudden you ran in my room yelling something was wrong with our mother. I got out of bed slowly since it wasn’t the first time we had problems with mom.

As I walked out of my room I looked down the hall. In our mother’s room all I saw was our stepfather trying to give Mom CPR, and Ian was on the phone with 911. Ian told me to keep the children in the living room, so I did. An hour later the ambulance showed up to take our mother to the hospital.

As I played with our nieces, Ian began to tell me that the paramedics didn’t think she was going to make it. As I cried, Ian told me to be strong for your sake. Once I finally began to think positive we heard a cry from the back door. Ian looked at me and said, “Stay here; Keep an eye on the kids.” I started to worry because Ian was taking too long to come back.

So I walked to the back door to find the cry that I’d heard was coming from our stepfather. Ian walked in with one hand covering the other over his mouth. He grabbed me and hugged me, and then he whispered in my ear, “She is gone.” At that moment I couldn’t be strong anymore.

Once Ian and I calmed down enough we took you to your room. As you sat on Ian’s knee we began to tell you. Baby Sister, you cried only for ten minutes. We just left you alone and agreed you would understand when you were ready.

Baby Sister, we were all too young to lose our mother. You were 8, I was 17, Ian was 27, and Anthony was 22. I know you’re confused about why it had to be her, but, Sweetie, God has a plan for all of us and it was her time to go.

I understand it’s hard now, but it will get better in time. I’m not saying you’ll forget, but you will learn that our mother does not want us to mourn her death but celebrate her life. A part of her will always be in Ian, you, Anthony, and me.

Just remember she loves you and she always will. Also remember Ian, Anthony, and I will always be here for you. I love you, Baby Sister, be strong.

Love Always,
Your Big Sister Ravyn