Valerie and I were best friends. She was my sister, but my best friend...that one person who knew everything about you, and who would be there in an instant. Our childhood was happy, and we loved to play together inside and outdoors doing whatever. I remember how good at EVERYTHING my sister was, and I admired her so much in how she would sketch, paint, draw, create or make something beautiful out of really, nothing. I could go on and on about how I wanted to be like my big sister, and wished I had her intelligence and skills, but when someone has a gift for something, lets just say she got it ALL!  

As we grew up, we both dealt with some deep inner struggles, and unfortunately, she could not really get ahold of what was going on inside of her.  My sister suffered for so many years, and it pained our family and her son to see her go through so much. 

But now, she is asleep and FINALLY at peace. I remember her for the loving, giving, funny, and generous person she was, NOT for who she was when she got sick. When I see her again, I can't wait to say "I told you so" (in my comedic tone), and give her the biggest, tightest, hug I can give, as I do so with tears of pure joy and happiness. See you soon Val. Acts 24:15 & Isaiah 65:17.