"A Picture Of Ginny"
Click here for a picture of Ginny: http://tinyurl.com/2y83ec
It's hard to believe it's been almost five years since she left us.
Our sister Val just sent us this picture,
which we've never seen before.
Ginny's beauty shines through,
so I'm sending it to our friends today,
along with an article I wrote during a dark time.
"A ROUGH DAY.
(Written April 1st, 2002.)
Please forgive me if I make a few typos, double mail,
and if I cry a little.
My kid sister passed away today, and I'm having a few beers.
I'm not much of a drinker, but today is different.
"Her name was Virginia. We called her Ginny.
She was the closest thing to a saint I've ever encountered.
She never said a mean word or hurt anybody in her entire life.
I'm telling you this because that's what friends are for.
"Ginny had a great sense of humor.
When she fell and broke the largest bone in her body,
The paramedics in the ambulance asked her how she was.
You know what she said?
She said: "I can't kick."
"She was weak and sick all her life.
Sometimes I feel guilty because I got all the health and strength.
She had an eye operation at the age of about six.
They took the eye out while they worked, with no anesthetic.
That was in the old days, before lasers.
"I was her protector, but I couldn't protect her this time.
She's been in and out of hospitals for the past several years,
and this time her heart stopped.
"I truly hope there is a life after death,
and that she can walk and run, and see, and sing...
all the things she couldn't do here.
"She was afraid to die. Aren't we all?
She loved life, even though it had treated her cruelly.
Easter weekend is a perfect time for her to leave this world.
She was as pure as Easter.
"We are having her memorial service on April fourth, her birthday.
Misty will be playing "Someday My Prince Will Come",
and other of Ginny's favorites, which include a few hymns.
"I have to try and dwell on how lucky I am to have known her.
Time is getting away from us, so, pray for us all, my friends.
We need it.
"Jack Blanchard, 2002."
We miss you, Ginny.
Jack Blanchard, 2007.
Copyright © March 2, 2007 Jack Blanchard. All rights reserved.
Reprinted by permission.
