EVERYBODY HAS A SWEETHEART SOMEWHERE
EVERYBODY HAS A SWEETHEART SOMEWHERE
I used to think that the only sweetheart that could be in your life on Valentine’s Day was a romantic one of the opposite sex. Sometimes on that day, I’ve had a sweetheart and sometimes felt a little sorry for myself when I didn’t.
And then, today, I looked up the real meaning of the word sweetheart. Surprisingly, it simply means, “loved one”. My eyes filled with tears as I realized how much I’ve taken for granted the one loved one who has been there for me my whole life. An innocent little girl who was willing to lay down her life to stand by me unconditionally all our lives without any hesitation. She is my sister Gloria.
You see, we were latch key kids long before the term was invented. Our divorced working mother left 8-year-old Gloria in full charge of 6 year old me when we lived in Memphis in an unsafe area of town. Things had better be taken care of by the time Mother got home from work or we were “invited” to go outside and pick the switches with which we were spanked.
Amazingly, Gloria had common sense way beyond her years at that tender age. She had to grow up fast, set aside her own childhood, and protect me with little regard to her own safety. I was the skinny, small, pale blond little sister with thick glasses—that every neighborhood bully dreams of. Well, one day the local bully knocked me flying off my favorite swing as I soared to the top. He had to have it. Gloria overcame any fears she might have. She simply dug the gravel out of my mouth and face, cleaned me up, dried my tears, knocked on the door of the bully, and right in front of his mother, slugged him right in the face. I don’t recall that he was ever a problem again.
Twice she saved my life. Home alone one night, a burglar was coming through the window, when she grabbed me and flew down the street to a neighbor’s house. I was too paralyzed with fear to know what to do. The scariest time, though was when a strange man came to the door during school when we were home sick and said he was sent by the school to “check on us”. He mentioned the name of the local school. It wasn’t the one we attended. Sensing something was wrong, Gloria grabbed me, pushed me past him and fled down the street to a neighbor’s house. He was later arrested for multiple charges all over town.
Later, living with our grandparents, the guys came to the door everyday begging her to come play baseball. They knew what we continue to know today. If you have Gloria on your team, you win. She was the consummate tomboy, athletic and tan, who slugged the ball over the fence most of the time. She represented all that I wanted to be. Most of the bad sunburns I got in my teens were an effort to try to look like her; be her. Finally, I’ve realized it’s okay just to be me.
We were separated for many years. She was left in Memphis with grandparents and Mother. I was blessed to live with the amazing, compassionate Thomas family of Olean, New York. They transformed my life. And some years were spent with my loving Dad and his family. Well, Gloria and I grew up. We were reunited when I moved to California as an adult where she lives too. She has 6 grown kids and 12 grandkids. Almost died several times from miscarriages and raised her first 4 kids almost single-handedly. How she managed those years is now family legend. She achieved an outstanding career as head of travel at JPL. Through the years we’ve had our disagreements and yet today we love each other more than ever.
Now we face the shock of learning she has lung cancer. All of us are in different stages of the process together. After 2 weeks of tears, prayers and lots of talking, we’ve all stabilized and watched in amazement as she carries on her chemo and radiation with strong faith, peace of mind and even humor that is beyond our understanding. She tells us she’s ready for whatever God has. Ready to go if need be. We’ve said no. I need my big sister another 25-30 years. And, true to form, she’s more concerned about us than herself. The prognosis looks good. And we will win because when you’re lucky enough to be on Gloria’s team, well, you win. She’s a homerun hitter. With her kind of attitude success is a given. Here’s a woman who’s had very little help in this life. Self taught, very clear on right and wrong, loving and not afraid to step up to the plate. A winner. She’s one heck of a loved one to call the ultimate Valentine. She’s a real sweetheart. And lucky am I to call her my sister. Happy Valentine’s Day, Gloria.EVERYBODY HAS A SWEETHEART SOMEWHERE
I used to think that the only sweetheart that could be in your life on Valentine’s Day was a romantic one of the opposite sex. Sometimes on that day, I’ve had a sweetheart and sometimes felt a little sorry for myself when I didn’t.
And then, today, I looked up the real meaning of the word sweetheart. Surprisingly, it simply means, “loved one”. My eyes filled with tears as I realized how much I’ve taken for granted the one loved one who has been there for me my whole life. An innocent little girl who was willing to lay down her life to stand by me unconditionally all our lives without any hesitation. She is my sister Gloria.
You see, we were latch key kids long before the term was invented. Our divorced working mother left 8-year-old Gloria in full charge of 6 year old me when we lived in Memphis in an unsafe area of town. Things had better be taken care of by the time Mother got home from work or we were “invited” to go outside and pick the switches with which we were spanked.
Amazingly, Gloria had common sense way beyond her years at that tender age. She had to grow up fast, set aside her own childhood, and protect me with little regard to her own safety. I was the skinny, small, pale blond little sister with thick glasses—that every neighborhood bully dreams of. Well, one day the local bully knocked me flying off my favorite swing as I soared to the top. He had to have it. Gloria overcame any fears she might have. She simply dug the gravel out of my mouth and face, cleaned me up, dried my tears, knocked on the door of the bully, and right in front of his mother, slugged him right in the face. I don’t recall that he was ever a problem again.
Twice she saved my life. Home alone one night, a burglar was coming through the window, when she grabbed me and flew down the street to a neighbor’s house. I was too paralyzed with fear to know what to do. The scariest time, though was when a strange man came to the door during school when we were home sick and said he was sent by the school to “check on us”. He mentioned the name of the local school. It wasn’t the one we attended. Sensing something was wrong, Gloria grabbed me, pushed me past him and fled down the street to a neighbor’s house. He was later arrested for multiple charges all over town.
Later, living with our grandparents, the guys came to the door everyday begging her to come play baseball. They knew what we continue to know today. If you have Gloria on your team, you win. She was the consummate tomboy, athletic and tan, who slugged the ball over the fence most of the time. She represented all that I wanted to be. Most of the bad sunburns I got in my teens were an effort to try to look like her; be her. Finally, I’ve realized it’s okay just to be me.
We were separated for many years. She was left in Memphis with grandparents and Mother. I was blessed to live with the amazing, compassionate Thomas family of Olean, New York. They transformed my life. And some years were spent with my loving Dad and his family. Well, Gloria and I grew up. We were reunited when I moved to California as an adult where she lives too. She has 6 grown kids and 12 grandkids. Almost died several times from miscarriages and raised her first 4 kids almost single-handedly. How she managed those years is now family legend. She achieved an outstanding career as head of travel at JPL. Through the years we’ve had our disagreements and yet today we love each other more than ever.
Now we face the shock of learning she has lung cancer. All of us are in different stages of the process together. After 2 weeks of tears, prayers and lots of talking, we’ve all stabilized and watched in amazement as she carries on her chemo and radiation with strong faith, peace of mind and even humor that is beyond our understanding. She tells us she’s ready for whatever God has. Ready to go if need be. We’ve said no. I need my big sister another 25-30 years. And, true to form, she’s more concerned about us than herself. The prognosis looks good. And we will win because when you’re lucky enough to be on Gloria’s team, well, you win. She’s a homerun hitter. With her kind of attitude success is a given. Here’s a woman who’s had very little help in this life. Self taught, very clear on right and wrong, loving and not afraid to step up to the plate. A winner. She’s one heck of a loved one to call the ultimate Valentine. She’s a real sweetheart. And lucky am I to call her my sister. Happy Valentine’s Day, Gloria.
EVERYBODY HAS A SWEETHEART SOMEWHERE
I used to think that the only sweetheart that could be in your life on Valentine’s Day was a romantic one of the opposite sex. Sometimes on that day, I’ve had a sweetheart and sometimes felt a little sorry for myself when I didn’t.
And then, today, I looked up the real meaning of the word sweetheart. Surprisingly, it simply means, “loved one”. My eyes filled with tears as I realized how much I’ve taken for granted the one loved one who has been there for me my whole life. An innocent little girl who was willing to lay down her life to stand by me unconditionally all our lives without any hesitation. She is my sister Gloria.
You see, we were latch key kids long before the term was invented. Our divorced working mother left 8-year-old Gloria in full charge of 6 year old me when we lived in Memphis in an unsafe area of town. Things had better be taken care of by the time Mother got home from work or we were “invited” to go outside and pick the switches with which we were spanked.
Amazingly, Gloria had common sense way beyond her years at that tender age. She had to grow up fast, set aside her own childhood, and protect me with little regard to her own safety. I was the skinny, small, pale blond little sister with thick glasses—that every neighborhood bully dreams of. Well, one day the local bully knocked me flying off my favorite swing as I soared to the top. He had to have it. Gloria overcame any fears she might have. She simply dug the gravel out of my mouth and face, cleaned me up, dried my tears, knocked on the door of the bully, and right in front of his mother, slugged him right in the face. I don’t recall that he was ever a problem again.
Twice she saved my life. Home alone one night, a burglar was coming through the window, when she grabbed me and flew down the street to a neighbor’s house. I was too paralyzed with fear to know what to do. The scariest time, though was when a strange man came to the door during school when we were home sick and said he was sent by the school to “check on us”. He mentioned the name of the local school. It wasn’t the one we attended. Sensing something was wrong, Gloria grabbed me, pushed me past him and fled down the street to a neighbor’s house. He was later arrested for multiple charges all over town.
Later, living with our grandparents, the guys came to the door everyday begging her to come play baseball. They knew what we continue to know today. If you have Gloria on your team, you win. She was the consummate tomboy, athletic and tan, who slugged the ball over the fence most of the time. She represented all that I wanted to be. Most of the bad sunburns I got in my teens were an effort to try to look like her; be her. Finally, I’ve realized it’s okay just to be me.
We were separated for many years. She was left in Memphis with grandparents and Mother. I was blessed to live with the amazing, compassionate Thomas family of Olean, New York. They transformed my life. And some years were spent with my loving Dad and his family. Well, Gloria and I grew up. We were reunited when I moved to California as an adult where she lives too. She has 6 grown kids and 12 grandkids. Almost died several times from miscarriages and raised her first 4 kids almost single-handedly. How she managed those years is now family legend. She achieved an outstanding career as head of travel at JPL. Through the years we’ve had our disagreements and yet today we love each other more than ever.
Now we face the shock of learning she has lung cancer. All of us are in different stages of the process together. After 2 weeks of tears, prayers and lots of talking, we’ve all stabilized and watched in amazement as she carries on her chemo and radiation with strong faith, peace of mind and even humor that is beyond our understanding. She tells us she’s ready for whatever God has. Ready to go if need be. We’ve said no. I need my big sister another 25-30 years. And, true to form, she’s more concerned about us than herself. The prognosis looks good. And we will win because when you’re lucky enough to be on Gloria’s team, well, you win. She’s a homerun hitter. With her kind of attitude success is a given. Here’s a woman who’s had very little help in this life. Self taught, very clear on right and wrong, loving and not afraid to step up to the plate. A winner. She’s one heck of a loved one to call the ultimate Valentine. She’s a real sweetheart. And lucky am I to call her my sister. Happy Valentine’s Day, Gloria.
EVERYBODY HAS A SWEETHEART SOMEWHERE
I used to think that the only sweetheart that could be in your life on Valentine’s Day was a romantic one of the opposite sex. Sometimes on that day, I’ve had a sweetheart and sometimes felt a little sorry for myself when I didn’t.
And then, today, I looked up the real meaning of the word sweetheart. Surprisingly, it simply means, “loved one”. My eyes filled with tears as I realized how much I’ve taken for granted the one loved one who has been there for me my whole life. An innocent little girl who was willing to lay down her life to stand by me unconditionally all our lives without any hesitation. She is my sister Gloria.
You see, we were latch key kids long before the term was invented. Our divorced working mother left 8-year-old Gloria in full charge of 6 year old me when we lived in Memphis in an unsafe area of town. Things had better be taken care of by the time Mother got home from work or we were “invited” to go outside and pick the switches with which we were spanked.
Amazingly, Gloria had common sense way beyond her years at that tender age. She had to grow up fast, set aside her own childhood, and protect me with little regard to her own safety. I was the skinny, small, pale blond little sister with thick glasses—that every neighborhood bully dreams of. Well, one day the local bully knocked me flying off my favorite swing as I soared to the top. He had to have it. Gloria overcame any fears she might have. She simply dug the gravel out of my mouth and face, cleaned me up, dried my tears, knocked on the door of the bully, and right in front of his mother, slugged him right in the face. I don’t recall that he was ever a problem again.
Twice she saved my life. Home alone one night, a burglar was coming through the window, when she grabbed me and flew down the street to a neighbor’s house. I was too paralyzed with fear to know what to do. The scariest time, though was when a strange man came to the door during school when we were home sick and said he was sent by the school to “check on us”. He mentioned the name of the local school. It wasn’t the one we attended. Sensing something was wrong, Gloria grabbed me, pushed me past him and fled down the street to a neighbor’s house. He was later arrested for multiple charges all over town.
Later, living with our grandparents, the guys came to the door everyday begging her to come play baseball. They knew what we continue to know today. If you have Gloria on your team, you win. She was the consummate tomboy, athletic and tan, who slugged the ball over the fence most of the time. She represented all that I wanted to be. Most of the bad sunburns I got in my teens were an effort to try to look like her; be her. Finally, I’ve realized it’s okay just to be me.
We were separated for many years. She was left in Memphis with grandparents and Mother. I was blessed to live with the amazing, compassionate Thomas family of Olean, New York. They transformed my life. And some years were spent with my loving Dad and his family. Well, Gloria and I grew up. We were reunited when I moved to California as an adult where she lives too. She has 6 grown kids and 12 grandkids. Almost died several times from miscarriages and raised her first 4 kids almost single-handedly. How she managed those years is now family legend. She achieved an outstanding career as head of travel at JPL. Through the years we’ve had our disagreements and yet today we love each other more than ever.
Now we face the shock of learning she has lung cancer. All of us are in different stages of the process together. After 2 weeks of tears, prayers and lots of talking, we’ve all stabilized and watched in amazement as she carries on her chemo and radiation with strong faith, peace of mind and even humor that is beyond our understanding. She tells us she’s ready for whatever God has. Ready to go if need be. We’ve said no. I need my big sister another 25-30 years. And, true to form, she’s more concerned about us than herself. The prognosis looks good. And we will win because when you’re lucky enough to be on Gloria’s team, well, you win. She’s a homerun hitter. With her kind of attitude success is a given. Here’s a woman who’s had very little help in this life. Self taught, very clear on right and wrong, loving and not afraid to step up to the plate. A winner. She’s one heck of a loved one to call the ultimate Valentine. She’s a real sweetheart. And lucky am I to call her my sister. Happy Valentine’s Day, Gloria.
EVERYBODY HAS A SWEETHEART SOMEWHERE
I used to think that the only sweetheart that could be in your life on Valentine’s Day was a romantic one of the opposite sex. Sometimes on that day, I’ve had a sweetheart and sometimes felt a little sorry for myself when I didn’t.
And then, today, I looked up the real meaning of the word sweetheart. Surprisingly, it simply means, “loved one”. My eyes filled with tears as I realized how much I’ve taken for granted the one loved one who has been there for me my whole life. An innocent little girl who was willing to lay down her life to stand by me unconditionally all our lives without any hesitation. She is my sister Gloria.
You see, we were latch key kids long before the term was invented. Our divorced working mother left 8-year-old Gloria in full charge of 6 year old me when we lived in Memphis in an unsafe area of town. Things had better be taken care of by the time Mother got home from work or we were “invited” to go outside and pick the switches with which we were spanked.
Amazingly, Gloria had common sense way beyond her years at that tender age. She had to grow up fast, set aside her own childhood, and protect me with little regard to her own safety. I was the skinny, small, pale blond little sister with thick glasses—that every neighborhood bully dreams of. Well, one day the local bully knocked me flying off my favorite swing as I soared to the top. He had to have it. Gloria overcame any fears she might have. She simply dug the gravel out of my mouth and face, cleaned me up, dried my tears, knocked on the door of the bully, and right in front of his mother, slugged him right in the face. I don’t recall that he was ever a problem again.
Twice she saved my life. Home alone one night, a burglar was coming through the window, when she grabbed me and flew down the street to a neighbor’s house. I was too paralyzed with fear to know what to do. The scariest time, though was when a strange man came to the door during school when we were home sick and said he was sent by the school to “check on us”. He mentioned the name of the local school. It wasn’t the one we attended. Sensing something was wrong, Gloria grabbed me, pushed me past him and fled down the street to a neighbor’s house. He was later arrested for multiple charges all over town.
Later, living with our grandparents, the guys came to the door everyday begging her to come play baseball. They knew what we continue to know today. If you have Gloria on your team, you win. She was the consummate tomboy, athletic and tan, who slugged the ball over the fence most of the time. She represented all that I wanted to be. Most of the bad sunburns I got in my teens were an effort to try to look like her; be her. Finally, I’ve realized it’s okay just to be me.
We were separated for many years. She was left in Memphis with grandparents and Mother. I was blessed to live with the amazing, compassionate Thomas family of Olean, New York. They transformed my life. And some years were spent with my loving Dad and his family. Well, Gloria and I grew up. We were reunited when I moved to California as an adult where she lives too. She has 6 grown kids and 12 grandkids. Almost died several times from miscarriages and raised her first 4 kids almost single-handedly. How she managed those years is now family legend. She achieved an outstanding career as head of travel at JPL. Through the years we’ve had our disagreements and yet today we love each other more than ever.
Now we face the shock of learning she has lung cancer. All of us are in different stages of the process together. After 2 weeks of tears, prayers and lots of talking, we’ve all stabilized and watched in amazement as she carries on her chemo and radiation with strong faith, peace of mind and even humor that is beyond our understanding. She tells us she’s ready for whatever God has. Ready to go if need be. We’ve said no. I need my big sister another 25-30 years. And, true to form, she’s more concerned about us than herself. The prognosis looks good. And we will win because when you’re lucky enough to be on Gloria’s team, well, you win. She’s a homerun hitter. With her kind of attitude success is a given. Here’s a woman who’s had very little help in this life. Self taught, very clear on right and wrong, loving and not afraid to step up to the plate. A winner. She’s one heck of a loved one to call the ultimate Valentine. She’s a real sweetheart. And lucky am I to call her my sister. Happy Valentine’s Day, Gloria.
I used to think that the only sweetheart that could be in your life on Valentine’s Day was a romantic one of the opposite sex. Sometimes on that day, I’ve had a sweetheart and sometimes felt a little sorry for myself when I didn’t.
And then, today, I looked up the real meaning of the word sweetheart. Surprisingly, it simply means, “loved one”. My eyes filled with tears as I realized how much I’ve taken for granted the one loved one who has been there for me my whole life. An innocent little girl who was willing to lay down her life to stand by me unconditionally all our lives without any hesitation. She is my sister Gloria.
You see, we were latch key kids long before the term was invented. Our divorced working mother left 8-year-old Gloria in full charge of 6 year old me when we lived in Memphis in an unsafe area of town. Things had better be taken care of by the time Mother got home from work or we were “invited” to go outside and pick the switches with which we were spanked.
Amazingly, Gloria had common sense way beyond her years at that tender age. She had to grow up fast, set aside her own childhood, and protect me with little regard to her own safety. I was the skinny, small, pale blond little sister with thick glasses—that every neighborhood bully dreams of. Well, one day the local bully knocked me flying off my favorite swing as I soared to the top. He had to have it. Gloria overcame any fears she might have. She simply dug the gravel out of my mouth and face, cleaned me up, dried my tears, knocked on the door of the bully, and right in front of his mother, slugged him right in the face. I don’t recall that he was ever a problem again.
Twice she saved my life. Home alone one night, a burglar was coming through the window, when she grabbed me and flew down the street to a neighbor’s house. I was too paralyzed with fear to know what to do. The scariest time, though was when a strange man came to the door during school when we were home sick and said he was sent by the school to “check on us”. He mentioned the name of the local school. It wasn’t the one we attended. Sensing something was wrong, Gloria grabbed me, pushed me past him and fled down the street to a neighbor’s house. He was later arrested for multiple charges all over town.
Later, living with our grandparents, the guys came to the door everyday begging her to come play baseball. They knew what we continue to know today. If you have Gloria on your team, you win. She was the consummate tomboy, athletic and tan, who slugged the ball over the fence most of the time. She represented all that I wanted to be. Most of the bad sunburns I got in my teens were an effort to try to look like her; be her. Finally, I’ve realized it’s okay just to be me.
We were separated for many years. She was left in Memphis with grandparents and Mother. I was blessed to live with the amazing, compassionate Thomas family of Olean, New York. They transformed my life. And some years were spent with my loving Dad and his family. Well, Gloria and I grew up. We were reunited when I moved to California as an adult where she lives too. She has 6 grown kids and 12 grandkids. Almost died several times from miscarriages and raised her first 4 kids almost single-handedly. How she managed those years is now family legend. She achieved an outstanding career as head of travel at JPL. Through the years we’ve had our disagreements and yet today we love each other more than ever.
Now we face the shock of learning she has lung cancer. All of us are in different stages of the process together. After 2 weeks of tears, prayers and lots of talking, we’ve all stabilized and watched in amazement as she carries on her chemo and radiation with strong faith, peace of mind and even humor that is beyond our understanding. She tells us she’s ready for whatever God has. Ready to go if need be. We’ve said no. I need my big sister another 25-30 years. And, true to form, she’s more concerned about us than herself. The prognosis looks good. And we will win because when you’re lucky enough to be on Gloria’s team, well, you win. She’s a homerun hitter. With her kind of attitude success is a given. Here’s a woman who’s had very little help in this life. Self taught, very clear on right and wrong, loving and not afraid to step up to the plate. A winner. She’s one heck of a loved one to call the ultimate Valentine. She’s a real sweetheart. And lucky am I to call her my sister. Happy Valentine’s Day, Gloria.EVERYBODY HAS A SWEETHEART SOMEWHERE
I used to think that the only sweetheart that could be in your life on Valentine’s Day was a romantic one of the opposite sex. Sometimes on that day, I’ve had a sweetheart and sometimes felt a little sorry for myself when I didn’t.
And then, today, I looked up the real meaning of the word sweetheart. Surprisingly, it simply means, “loved one”. My eyes filled with tears as I realized how much I’ve taken for granted the one loved one who has been there for me my whole life. An innocent little girl who was willing to lay down her life to stand by me unconditionally all our lives without any hesitation. She is my sister Gloria.
You see, we were latch key kids long before the term was invented. Our divorced working mother left 8-year-old Gloria in full charge of 6 year old me when we lived in Memphis in an unsafe area of town. Things had better be taken care of by the time Mother got home from work or we were “invited” to go outside and pick the switches with which we were spanked.
Amazingly, Gloria had common sense way beyond her years at that tender age. She had to grow up fast, set aside her own childhood, and protect me with little regard to her own safety. I was the skinny, small, pale blond little sister with thick glasses—that every neighborhood bully dreams of. Well, one day the local bully knocked me flying off my favorite swing as I soared to the top. He had to have it. Gloria overcame any fears she might have. She simply dug the gravel out of my mouth and face, cleaned me up, dried my tears, knocked on the door of the bully, and right in front of his mother, slugged him right in the face. I don’t recall that he was ever a problem again.
Twice she saved my life. Home alone one night, a burglar was coming through the window, when she grabbed me and flew down the street to a neighbor’s house. I was too paralyzed with fear to know what to do. The scariest time, though was when a strange man came to the door during school when we were home sick and said he was sent by the school to “check on us”. He mentioned the name of the local school. It wasn’t the one we attended. Sensing something was wrong, Gloria grabbed me, pushed me past him and fled down the street to a neighbor’s house. He was later arrested for multiple charges all over town.
Later, living with our grandparents, the guys came to the door everyday begging her to come play baseball. They knew what we continue to know today. If you have Gloria on your team, you win. She was the consummate tomboy, athletic and tan, who slugged the ball over the fence most of the time. She represented all that I wanted to be. Most of the bad sunburns I got in my teens were an effort to try to look like her; be her. Finally, I’ve realized it’s okay just to be me.
We were separated for many years. She was left in Memphis with grandparents and Mother. I was blessed to live with the amazing, compassionate Thomas family of Olean, New York. They transformed my life. And some years were spent with my loving Dad and his family. Well, Gloria and I grew up. We were reunited when I moved to California as an adult where she lives too. She has 6 grown kids and 12 grandkids. Almost died several times from miscarriages and raised her first 4 kids almost single-handedly. How she managed those years is now family legend. She achieved an outstanding career as head of travel at JPL. Through the years we’ve had our disagreements and yet today we love each other more than ever.
Now we face the shock of learning she has lung cancer. All of us are in different stages of the process together. After 2 weeks of tears, prayers and lots of talking, we’ve all stabilized and watched in amazement as she carries on her chemo and radiation with strong faith, peace of mind and even humor that is beyond our understanding. She tells us she’s ready for whatever God has. Ready to go if need be. We’ve said no. I need my big sister another 25-30 years. And, true to form, she’s more concerned about us than herself. The prognosis looks good. And we will win because when you’re lucky enough to be on Gloria’s team, well, you win. She’s a homerun hitter. With her kind of attitude success is a given. Here’s a woman who’s had very little help in this life. Self taught, very clear on right and wrong, loving and not afraid to step up to the plate. A winner. She’s one heck of a loved one to call the ultimate Valentine. She’s a real sweetheart. And lucky am I to call her my sister. Happy Valentine’s Day, Gloria.
EVERYBODY HAS A SWEETHEART SOMEWHERE
I used to think that the only sweetheart that could be in your life on Valentine’s Day was a romantic one of the opposite sex. Sometimes on that day, I’ve had a sweetheart and sometimes felt a little sorry for myself when I didn’t.
And then, today, I looked up the real meaning of the word sweetheart. Surprisingly, it simply means, “loved one”. My eyes filled with tears as I realized how much I’ve taken for granted the one loved one who has been there for me my whole life. An innocent little girl who was willing to lay down her life to stand by me unconditionally all our lives without any hesitation. She is my sister Gloria.
You see, we were latch key kids long before the term was invented. Our divorced working mother left 8-year-old Gloria in full charge of 6 year old me when we lived in Memphis in an unsafe area of town. Things had better be taken care of by the time Mother got home from work or we were “invited” to go outside and pick the switches with which we were spanked.
Amazingly, Gloria had common sense way beyond her years at that tender age. She had to grow up fast, set aside her own childhood, and protect me with little regard to her own safety. I was the skinny, small, pale blond little sister with thick glasses—that every neighborhood bully dreams of. Well, one day the local bully knocked me flying off my favorite swing as I soared to the top. He had to have it. Gloria overcame any fears she might have. She simply dug the gravel out of my mouth and face, cleaned me up, dried my tears, knocked on the door of the bully, and right in front of his mother, slugged him right in the face. I don’t recall that he was ever a problem again.
Twice she saved my life. Home alone one night, a burglar was coming through the window, when she grabbed me and flew down the street to a neighbor’s house. I was too paralyzed with fear to know what to do. The scariest time, though was when a strange man came to the door during school when we were home sick and said he was sent by the school to “check on us”. He mentioned the name of the local school. It wasn’t the one we attended. Sensing something was wrong, Gloria grabbed me, pushed me past him and fled down the street to a neighbor’s house. He was later arrested for multiple charges all over town.
Later, living with our grandparents, the guys came to the door everyday begging her to come play baseball. They knew what we continue to know today. If you have Gloria on your team, you win. She was the consummate tomboy, athletic and tan, who slugged the ball over the fence most of the time. She represented all that I wanted to be. Most of the bad sunburns I got in my teens were an effort to try to look like her; be her. Finally, I’ve realized it’s okay just to be me.
We were separated for many years. She was left in Memphis with grandparents and Mother. I was blessed to live with the amazing, compassionate Thomas family of Olean, New York. They transformed my life. And some years were spent with my loving Dad and his family. Well, Gloria and I grew up. We were reunited when I moved to California as an adult where she lives too. She has 6 grown kids and 12 grandkids. Almost died several times from miscarriages and raised her first 4 kids almost single-handedly. How she managed those years is now family legend. She achieved an outstanding career as head of travel at JPL. Through the years we’ve had our disagreements and yet today we love each other more than ever.
Now we face the shock of learning she has lung cancer. All of us are in different stages of the process together. After 2 weeks of tears, prayers and lots of talking, we’ve all stabilized and watched in amazement as she carries on her chemo and radiation with strong faith, peace of mind and even humor that is beyond our understanding. She tells us she’s ready for whatever God has. Ready to go if need be. We’ve said no. I need my big sister another 25-30 years. And, true to form, she’s more concerned about us than herself. The prognosis looks good. And we will win because when you’re lucky enough to be on Gloria’s team, well, you win. She’s a homerun hitter. With her kind of attitude success is a given. Here’s a woman who’s had very little help in this life. Self taught, very clear on right and wrong, loving and not afraid to step up to the plate. A winner. She’s one heck of a loved one to call the ultimate Valentine. She’s a real sweetheart. And lucky am I to call her my sister. Happy Valentine’s Day, Gloria.
EVERYBODY HAS A SWEETHEART SOMEWHERE
I used to think that the only sweetheart that could be in your life on Valentine’s Day was a romantic one of the opposite sex. Sometimes on that day, I’ve had a sweetheart and sometimes felt a little sorry for myself when I didn’t.
And then, today, I looked up the real meaning of the word sweetheart. Surprisingly, it simply means, “loved one”. My eyes filled with tears as I realized how much I’ve taken for granted the one loved one who has been there for me my whole life. An innocent little girl who was willing to lay down her life to stand by me unconditionally all our lives without any hesitation. She is my sister Gloria.
You see, we were latch key kids long before the term was invented. Our divorced working mother left 8-year-old Gloria in full charge of 6 year old me when we lived in Memphis in an unsafe area of town. Things had better be taken care of by the time Mother got home from work or we were “invited” to go outside and pick the switches with which we were spanked.
Amazingly, Gloria had common sense way beyond her years at that tender age. She had to grow up fast, set aside her own childhood, and protect me with little regard to her own safety. I was the skinny, small, pale blond little sister with thick glasses—that every neighborhood bully dreams of. Well, one day the local bully knocked me flying off my favorite swing as I soared to the top. He had to have it. Gloria overcame any fears she might have. She simply dug the gravel out of my mouth and face, cleaned me up, dried my tears, knocked on the door of the bully, and right in front of his mother, slugged him right in the face. I don’t recall that he was ever a problem again.
Twice she saved my life. Home alone one night, a burglar was coming through the window, when she grabbed me and flew down the street to a neighbor’s house. I was too paralyzed with fear to know what to do. The scariest time, though was when a strange man came to the door during school when we were home sick and said he was sent by the school to “check on us”. He mentioned the name of the local school. It wasn’t the one we attended. Sensing something was wrong, Gloria grabbed me, pushed me past him and fled down the street to a neighbor’s house. He was later arrested for multiple charges all over town.
Later, living with our grandparents, the guys came to the door everyday begging her to come play baseball. They knew what we continue to know today. If you have Gloria on your team, you win. She was the consummate tomboy, athletic and tan, who slugged the ball over the fence most of the time. She represented all that I wanted to be. Most of the bad sunburns I got in my teens were an effort to try to look like her; be her. Finally, I’ve realized it’s okay just to be me.
We were separated for many years. She was left in Memphis with grandparents and Mother. I was blessed to live with the amazing, compassionate Thomas family of Olean, New York. They transformed my life. And some years were spent with my loving Dad and his family. Well, Gloria and I grew up. We were reunited when I moved to California as an adult where she lives too. She has 6 grown kids and 12 grandkids. Almost died several times from miscarriages and raised her first 4 kids almost single-handedly. How she managed those years is now family legend. She achieved an outstanding career as head of travel at JPL. Through the years we’ve had our disagreements and yet today we love each other more than ever.
Now we face the shock of learning she has lung cancer. All of us are in different stages of the process together. After 2 weeks of tears, prayers and lots of talking, we’ve all stabilized and watched in amazement as she carries on her chemo and radiation with strong faith, peace of mind and even humor that is beyond our understanding. She tells us she’s ready for whatever God has. Ready to go if need be. We’ve said no. I need my big sister another 25-30 years. And, true to form, she’s more concerned about us than herself. The prognosis looks good. And we will win because when you’re lucky enough to be on Gloria’s team, well, you win. She’s a homerun hitter. With her kind of attitude success is a given. Here’s a woman who’s had very little help in this life. Self taught, very clear on right and wrong, loving and not afraid to step up to the plate. A winner. She’s one heck of a loved one to call the ultimate Valentine. She’s a real sweetheart. And lucky am I to call her my sister. Happy Valentine’s Day, Gloria.
EVERYBODY HAS A SWEETHEART SOMEWHERE
I used to think that the only sweetheart that could be in your life on Valentine’s Day was a romantic one of the opposite sex. Sometimes on that day, I’ve had a sweetheart and sometimes felt a little sorry for myself when I didn’t.
And then, today, I looked up the real meaning of the word sweetheart. Surprisingly, it simply means, “loved one”. My eyes filled with tears as I realized how much I’ve taken for granted the one loved one who has been there for me my whole life. An innocent little girl who was willing to lay down her life to stand by me unconditionally all our lives without any hesitation. She is my sister Gloria.
You see, we were latch key kids long before the term was invented. Our divorced working mother left 8-year-old Gloria in full charge of 6 year old me when we lived in Memphis in an unsafe area of town. Things had better be taken care of by the time Mother got home from work or we were “invited” to go outside and pick the switches with which we were spanked.
Amazingly, Gloria had common sense way beyond her years at that tender age. She had to grow up fast, set aside her own childhood, and protect me with little regard to her own safety. I was the skinny, small, pale blond little sister with thick glasses—that every neighborhood bully dreams of. Well, one day the local bully knocked me flying off my favorite swing as I soared to the top. He had to have it. Gloria overcame any fears she might have. She simply dug the gravel out of my mouth and face, cleaned me up, dried my tears, knocked on the door of the bully, and right in front of his mother, slugged him right in the face. I don’t recall that he was ever a problem again.
Twice she saved my life. Home alone one night, a burglar was coming through the window, when she grabbed me and flew down the street to a neighbor’s house. I was too paralyzed with fear to know what to do. The scariest time, though was when a strange man came to the door during school when we were home sick and said he was sent by the school to “check on us”. He mentioned the name of the local school. It wasn’t the one we attended. Sensing something was wrong, Gloria grabbed me, pushed me past him and fled down the street to a neighbor’s house. He was later arrested for multiple charges all over town.
Later, living with our grandparents, the guys came to the door everyday begging her to come play baseball. They knew what we continue to know today. If you have Gloria on your team, you win. She was the consummate tomboy, athletic and tan, who slugged the ball over the fence most of the time. She represented all that I wanted to be. Most of the bad sunburns I got in my teens were an effort to try to look like her; be her. Finally, I’ve realized it’s okay just to be me.
We were separated for many years. She was left in Memphis with grandparents and Mother. I was blessed to live with the amazing, compassionate Thomas family of Olean, New York. They transformed my life. And some years were spent with my loving Dad and his family. Well, Gloria and I grew up. We were reunited when I moved to California as an adult where she lives too. She has 6 grown kids and 12 grandkids. Almost died several times from miscarriages and raised her first 4 kids almost single-handedly. How she managed those years is now family legend. She achieved an outstanding career as head of travel at JPL. Through the years we’ve had our disagreements and yet today we love each other more than ever.
Now we face the shock of learning she has lung cancer. All of us are in different stages of the process together. After 2 weeks of tears, prayers and lots of talking, we’ve all stabilized and watched in amazement as she carries on her chemo and radiation with strong faith, peace of mind and even humor that is beyond our understanding. She tells us she’s ready for whatever God has. Ready to go if need be. We’ve said no. I need my big sister another 25-30 years. And, true to form, she’s more concerned about us than herself. The prognosis looks good. And we will win because when you’re lucky enough to be on Gloria’s team, well, you win. She’s a homerun hitter. With her kind of attitude success is a given. Here’s a woman who’s had very little help in this life. Self taught, very clear on right and wrong, loving and not afraid to step up to the plate. A winner. She’s one heck of a loved one to call the ultimate Valentine. She’s a real sweetheart. And lucky am I to call her my sister. Happy Valentine’s Day, Gloria.
posted by Ann Baker, Realtor at
1:12 PM
