Memories about My Sister 1

My sister Kathy seems to be ready to be with the Lord.  My mom spoke to her on the phone and told her she would like to come visit her, but Kathy said, “That’s ok.  You don’t need to do that.  We all know where we’re going.  We’ll be together there.”

I received an e-mail from my brother-in-law Randy tonight saying that the dosage of Kathy’s pain meds has been increased, causing her to sleep more and talk less.  I get the feeling her time is short, though it hasn’t been said.

So thinking about the possibility of Kathy’s life ending has made me think of memories of her from my childhood.  I never knew Kathy as a child.  She was 18 years old when I was born–the second eldest of the 9 siblings in our family.  She never lived at home with me, but she often came to visit when I was young.  One memory that sticks in my mind is from when I was about 8 years old.  Several of my other brothers and sisters were sitting around the kitchen table with me, and we were playing Scrabble.  Kathy was washing the dishes while we played.  Someone put a word on the board, and I said, “What the h— kind of word is that?”  Before I had time to think, some force was pulling my head back by the hair, and green liquid Palmolive dish detergent was pouring into my mouth.  I gagged and looked around the kitchen.  Kathy was the source of the mouth washing.  Let’s just say I was never much for vulgar speech after that incident!

Another thing to know about Kathy is that I never really called her Kathy.  She was always Katherine or “Kak.”  Kak came from my oldest brother being unable to pronounce her name properly when they were both little.  His “Kathy” came out “Kakky.”  So she forever became Kak or Kakki around home.  Only after she was married did I refer to Kak as Kathy because that is what her husband calls her.  But I still have to think to call her this.

8 thoughts on “Memories about My Sister 1”

  1. Thanks so much for sharing these memories. I’m glad you associate the soap-in-the-mouth treatment with vulgar language and not with Scrabble — that would be really sad!

    You know we have been and will continue to pray. I agree with Rhonda about your first paragraph. God is good.

  2. I had not read this yet when I saw you today. I am sorry I didn’t think to give you a big hug. I can’t imagine what this must be like. I will be praying for her and for you and your family. I have never had my mouth washed out with soap. Can you tell? I don’t think it would have worked though, some words just get the point across like others don’t 😉 However, if I heard my 8 year old using those same words, I would likely be inclined to grab the palmolive as well.

  3. Thanks to everyone for your prayers. I haven’t had an update this week, but I will update here when I hear more.

  4. Jennifer, I’m so sorry for the struggles your sister is having. . . I can’t imagine what it is like for your family. I find comfort hearing you talk of her faith, but still. . . a sister. . .

  5. TulipGirl,
    Thanks for your concern. I am so glad she has faith in our God, but it doesn’t take away the fact that she will no longer be with us.

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