Happy Wednesday Scribblers, can you believe we are little over a month away from Christmas and the end of 2019. It’s been an insane year with so much happening and now we are slowly marking to the end of it all… Wow!
This week I wanted to take a moment and thank everyone for all your support, not only over the last several years, but over the last few months. Some of you may know that I lost my sister to cancer a few months ago. I would be lying if I said it hasn’t been difficult. Most of the time I’m fine, but really I’m not. Every day I have to remind myself that just because she is gone from our physical world doesn’t mean she is gone. She’s still in my heart and in my memories. She is there with my mom and everyone else who has gone before.
Today, if you’ll indulge me, I thought I would share what I wrote for her memorial (it was this past weekend). Some of you may have seen it already posted on my Facebook Fan Page or in a post on Facebook. Still I wanted to share it here:
Dawn Marie Neu (Cooper)
Dawn and I at my nieces wedding.
Fifty-seven years, that’s not very long in the grand scene of things; however in Dawn’s life she made every moment count. She was a daughter, grand-daughter, sister, cousin, aunt, friend, 4-H All Star, Letterman in Swimming, DECA member, wife, mother, contractor, designer, Lion, partner, volunteer, grand-mother, and much more. Fifty-seven years may not be a long life, but when you live as full as Dawn did, you don’t need anymore. Dawn made the most out of her life living it to the fullest, always having fun and bringing a bright light to the world, not only around her, but also beyond her immediate touch. Whether it was a vacation with the family, business trips, day trips, parties, or simple visits with family and friends, Dawn never failed to brighten a room with her smile and warm personality. We can’t be sad for someone who had such a wonderful heart, joy for life, and bright light about them, because not even death can extinguish such life. Dawn will live on in our smiles, our laughter, and every time we think of her silliness and sense of humor.
Today, we aren’t sad, but joyful. We celebrate her life and all the people whose lives she lifted near and far, including those lives that none of us will ever learn about, of which, knowing Dawn, there are many.
As you all know, Dawn wasn’t about anything fancy. She was about family, laughter, good food, great friends and fun times. In the spirit of celebration this is how Dawn will be remembered. She will be the light at every party, the sparkle in our eyes and, of course, that extra spice in something delicious we enjoy together.
I wanted to say this to anyone who is reading this and who is lucky enough to have a sibling still alive:
Family is a pain in the ass. We all know this. We all know that we can work each other nerves and that if anyone can drive us to the crazy house faster, it’s family. However, despite all the garbage we put each other through, siblings are the only ones who know what they have been through. They have a shared history and are the only ones who understand their parents, for good, or for bad. Siblings, not only fight each other, but fight for each other. I know that some people grow apart; I know that for some family is a source of great pain, I also know that for others it’s best they keep clear of their families, and I know that for some they have no siblings at all.
Dawn, Mom, and me with Mickey Mouse
I only had my sister for 48 years, and I can tell you it wasn’t enough and I can also tell you that despite our strong relationship there is much I wish I could have still shared with her. Just like mom (who I only had for 37 years), no day will go by where I don’t think about her. What I’m saying here today is, if you are able to be part of your family’s life, do it, even if it’s just a phone call, text message or whatever, don’t let any more time pass between you, because our time is fleeting and when the final goodbye comes, it will be too late.
Well, Scribblers be kind to each other, love your families, forgive them if you can, and enjoy them while they are still around. Remember, if you have questions for me leave them in the comments below or you can email me at info@mdneu.com Don’t forget to show your love by liking and sharing this blog post with other readers. In the meantime have a great week and see you next time.