R.I.P.

     My mom used to quote Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and tell me that "into each life a little rain must fall." She failed to mention that sometimes it pours, and then you discover that the bucket you're using to bale water with has a hole in it.

     That about sums up how 2018 has been for me so far. The loss of my mom and dear sister, along with family illnesses, has taken a toll on my sense of humor. However, that same sister would be the first to say it was NEVER that great, while laughing hysterically and shooting milk out of her nose. Yea, it was like that between us.
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     Their lives remind me of that bright flash of light from the photographer's camera (which my sister was - a photographer, not a camera), followed by dark spots in my vision that faded to gray before disappearing. I'm still blinking from those circles of darkness, trying to focus on the resulting picture or memories that remain.
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     They will be missed; Mom, for her advice, and my sister for her laughter. I will hold memories of them forever in my heart. Rest in peace.