My Big Sister

Now for a description of my only living immediate family relative.  My big sister Jan, commonly known among the family as "annie keogh"  She couldn't say her name when she was little.  As kids I have to say we didn't get along all that well.  She was mom's good girl, grade A all the way and I do mean that with fondness now.  We used to have awesome knock down drag out fights which we usually ended up keeping a secret from our parents.  She has a heart as big as well....Texas, but back then I just didn't get her.  She went to JCSC same as me and while my father threatened to constantly pull me out of school if I didn't get good grades (remember the GPA of 3.84 and I made dean's list every semester except 1) Janet happily played hearts in the cafeteria with her other friends who did not go to classes either.  She made me swear not to tell dad but eventually she did and dropped out of school.  Consequently she went back much later and finished and works for a really wonderful guy out in Surprise Arizona.
Unlike many of us Janet married and stayed married to her childhood sweetie, Tommy who was I must say, quite cute in his day, long boyish but neat hair, played the guitar and could sing. Let's just say that today he looks and acts like Santa or at least one of his elves. They married in March of 1975 and immediately departed for Germany because Tom was in the air force.  Along came two great kids over the years, Jennifer (knick-name...the princess, nuf said) and Sean.  Love them both dearly and I must say Janet and Tom did something right because those kids are great and not just because they are my niece and nephew.
Anyway back to Janet...although out in Az. when I was diagnosed she called at least weekly and often she was the only recipient of tears, frustration and anger as I moved from one stage to another of the cancer process.  While I was angry and hurting, she was the calm voice urging me to do all the right things, eat, rest, even cry if I had too, and knowing how deeply she relies on her belief in God...which I admit is ever so much stronger than mine to this day, I'm sure a few prayers were said for the sake of her baby sister.  I truly believe that it was more her faith than mine that pulled me through.  I am a believer in the words of Billy Joel...only the good die young, but I believe that Janet is still here because she has yet to fulfill whatever plan is out there for her.  She is one of God's angels on earth.  I love you sis!