Yesterday was my sister Robin's birthday. She would have been 84 years old. It is still hard for me to fathom. First of all, that she is no longer here and second, that she would have turned this amazing number. In my mind Robin will always be young and vibrant and filled with the love.
Love for family; love for friends, love for humanity. She gave me unconditional love and I know I am not the only one who feels that way....Almost everyone who knew Robin felt her complete and unconditional acceptance and love....This was one of the great gifts that she gave to everyone that knew her. Probably the greatest gift.To say I miss her is an understatement. There are no words for what I feel about the fact that I can no longer pick the phone up and hear her cheery happy voice on the other end of the line....."Hi Nay....", always making me feel that she was truly happy to hear from me, and that there was no one else in the world that she would rather be talking to at the very moment----as if she had been waiting for my call.
Robin was eight years older than me. So when I was 5 or 6 years old, and she was 13 or 14...this gap was really great at those younger ages. I looked up to her and I when she went away to college I was very lonely for her....In fact, there was a point when I wanted to run away from home.....(I had my little kerchief all packed and ready...tied to a stick, just like in the movies...) And where was I going to run? Why to Robin, at Mt. Holyoke.....I didn't know how I would get there or anything, but I knew that running away from home to Robin would be running to a safe haven, and that was all that mattered.
Robin married very young. She met Bobby when they were both nineteen years old and married when they were both twenty....They were married almost 61 years.
They have three children, and eight grandchildren, and one great grandchild. I know that no marriage is all smooth sailing and in those sixty-one years there certainly were lots of bumps in the road...but one of the loveliest things that both Bobby and Robin said about their marriage: That those last two years of her life were some of the very best years of their marriage.....
Closer in their love for one another just as their relationship had been in those first years of their marriage. And I know Robin felt the very same thing, too, because she told me that...I am so happy for Robin that this was the case in those last years of her life....
Some of the family in this picture above....Robin, of course in the pink sweater, Gene, behind her....Debbie, Robin's daughter right next to her and Robin's oldest son Michael behind Debbie and next to Gene....And of course, Gordon standing next to Michael, and Gordon's youngest daughter Jennifer, in front of him.....This was in September, 2004.....
I miss you dear Robin, with all my heart. Rest well, sweet sister. And, Happy Happy Birthday.More To Come.......
- had this to say:
Hi Naomi! Thank you for sharing yourself and family members...some beautiful and memorable pictures. Take care dear and God bless you.
- Thursday, September 27, 2007 at 12:54:00 PM PDT
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What a lovely tribute to your dear sister. I cannot imagine not being able to pick up the phone and talk to my sisters. I love that she and her husband had such a great relationship.
I'm sure their children love their Auntie Naomi.- Thursday, September 27, 2007 at 1:35:00 PM PDT
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What a lovely older sister to have. We are both fortunate in a way to both have older sisters. Mine lives on the other side of the world but I know that I can ring, email, text her anytime of the day and know she will be there.
What a great tribute to Robin, you two do look alike. She sounded like a wonderful person to know, and how wonderful for you is that she was (and still is) your sister.
Thanks for sharing this with us.- Thursday, September 27, 2007 at 3:18:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
What a poignant post. Robin seems lovely inside and out. How great that she provided such a safe haven for you when you were young and that your relationship stayed so good all those years. Wow, 61 years of marriage, what an accomplishment!
- Thursday, September 27, 2007 at 4:30:00 PM PDT
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What beautiful pictures of your sister. We never forget those who've shown us unconditional love. You've paid a wonderful tribute to Robin. Great post!
- Thursday, September 27, 2007 at 5:13:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
What lovely memories you have of your sister. My mom is the youngest of four sisters, and like you, she has an amazing relationship with them. One thing I miss in life is that I do not have a sister. I think that relationship is one of the most special on earth.
Your story was a grand celebration of your sister's life. I bet she misses being with you, too.- Thursday, September 27, 2007 at 6:07:00 PM PDT
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What a lovely tribute,it was MY birthday on the 26th as well. I was a tad younger then my 80's though ( not much lol)
My girls have a 12 year age gap and the little one really looks up to the older one, sometimes it is like she has two mothers lol.- Thursday, September 27, 2007 at 6:16:00 PM PDT
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Such a beautiful tribute. Your sister sounds like she was such a wonderful and amazing person and I can feel how much you miss her from what you've written. Isn't she beautiful in those photographs you've posted! Thank you for sharing this special tribute.
- Thursday, September 27, 2007 at 7:07:00 PM PDT
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I never think of loved ones who've died as being truly gone. I really believe in heaven, and I plan on seeing my Gramilo and other dear loved ones in heaven.
I wouldn't be shocked to find out someday that my Gramillo has been reading my blog from heaven and Robin has been reading yours!!!!
I enjoyed this very lovely tribute and Happy Birthday post to your dear sister.
I especially like that first photo of the two of you as little girls.
Your facial expressions intrigue me in that photo. What attitude!!!
My internet access went out on Sunday evening.
It just got fixed this evening around 5:30 p.m.
It's been awful not having internet access!!
Our whole family has been out of whack without it.
It's nice to be back online again!!- Thursday, September 27, 2007 at 7:14:00 PM PDT
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How lucky you were to have had such a wonderful sister. I have no sister and have always been a tad jealous of friends (and even my own Mom!) because they have a sister or two. I'm glad you have such great pictures to remember Robin by and your niece and nephew to see your sister living on in them.
- Thursday, September 27, 2007 at 11:30:00 PM PDT
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Wonderful tribute to your dear sister...It seems she was a beautiful person, but not only because of her looks!
Sixty-one years married! that's a huge accomplishment, for both of them. Your sister surely loved your birthday wishes. Happy belated birthday to Robin!- Friday, September 28, 2007 at 12:34:00 AM PDT
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You have penned a lovely tribute to your dear sister. Robin was obviously a wonderful sister and a wonderful and loving person all round. I love the story about you running away to your sister when she went to college, it really shows what she meant to you. Thank you for sharing this. I think anyone that knew her must have been very lucky.
Michele sent me over this time but I always stop by :)- Friday, September 28, 2007 at 2:55:00 AM PDT
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You were blessed - Robin sounds a darling and I'm sure she will always be with you. I don't have the same wonderful relationship with my older sister but your post has inspired me to e-mail her.
- Friday, September 28, 2007 at 4:20:00 AM PDT
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Thank you for sharing that heartfelt tribute to your sister.
I have neither sisters nor brothers, so I love to read about the relationships between siblings. I know that if I was part of a larger family I would be in touch with them all the time!
Hugs to you!- Friday, September 28, 2007 at 5:18:00 AM PDT
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Your tribute to your sister was beautiful. I loved the picture of her and her husband as a young couple and also the one of you and her on the porch. together like that on the steps, your parents must have had infinite pride in their lovely daughters.
and 61 years married. theres a secret i would like to learn!
second stop of our Oregon tour pictures are posted now, and i had to come share them with you... I just love knowing you, and feel like my life is richer for the glimpses into your life, both past and present that you share.
i am hoping that we are able to get down to LA this coming Spring... I think Indy is ready for Disney. perhaps than we can add you to real life friends as well as one of my favorite blogfriends.- Friday, September 28, 2007 at 5:24:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
You always write so beautifully about those you love. What a treasure your sister was, and how lucky she was to have a sister who loves her so much.
- Friday, September 28, 2007 at 7:53:00 AM PDT
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Naomi, the post is beautiful; both the pictures and the memories.
- Friday, September 28, 2007 at 9:08:00 AM PDT
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Hiya Naomi with such a wide gap with your sister you are both so close to each other, love this bonding :D
I don't have sisters only two brothers so I always admired friends with sisters to share their girlie stuff and secrets.
Thank you for sharing all the wonderful photos :D- Friday, September 28, 2007 at 9:58:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
Beautiful tribute to an equally beautiful sister. Loved the memories too.
Very glad Michele sent me here today!- Friday, September 28, 2007 at 10:00:00 AM PDT
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A beautiful and very touching tribute to your dear sister Robin!
Sounds your sister was such a wonderful and lovely person! You are very fortunate to have such a wonderful family! Love so much all those photos, too. Thanks for sharing your lovely memories with us! Many hugs, my dear!- Friday, September 28, 2007 at 10:59:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
Sixty one years... that is amazing, but you can tell just how happy she was by the smiles in all of those photographs. :) I have about another 30 years to go before I get there. From the looks of it, life just gets better the longer you are together. :)
- Friday, September 28, 2007 at 12:58:00 PM PDT
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Awww! This post made me cry. How beautiful and sweet and sad. How have you been, other than missing your sister?
- Friday, September 28, 2007 at 2:45:00 PM PDT
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I'm so sorry she's gone Naomi. I know you miss her so much.
Wonderful tribute to your dear lovely sister! Hugs!!!- Friday, September 28, 2007 at 5:43:00 PM PDT
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Very heartfelt and very well written, Naomi. I lost my closest sister four years ago, and can relate completely.
I like getting to know your family. You write such touching posts about them.
Michele sent me this time. :)
~S- Friday, September 28, 2007 at 6:34:00 PM PDT
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I'm writing this through tears, Naomi. I wish every family had connections as strong as yours, and I wish more of us appreciated just how precious they are.
She seemed to have the same gentle, caring soul that you do. No surprise there.- Friday, September 28, 2007 at 6:35:00 PM PDT
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A lovely tribute to your sister, Naomi. I always, always wished I had siblings, and I was sad to be an only child. Although she is gone, it must be wonderful to have such lovely memories of her.
Re your comment: I have posted an update on the home situation.- Friday, September 28, 2007 at 9:06:00 PM PDT
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What a lovely tribute. You know, in many cultures, as long as the memory survives, so too does the person. Indeed, it sounds as though your sister is still with you.
Michele sent me,
Mike- Friday, September 28, 2007 at 10:13:00 PM PDT
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Oh Naomi what a joy that you had such an amazing relationship with your sister. Sibling relationships can be complicated at times so to share the love you had for one another is so touching. When we lose someone like this the memories are what keeps them close to heart. I am so glad you shared her with us.
XOXO- Friday, September 28, 2007 at 10:14:00 PM PDT
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what a beautiful and poignant post. What a joy to read such a lovely tribute. Inspirational and wonderful is always par here.
- Friday, September 28, 2007 at 10:53:00 PM PDT
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Naomi, you have such a beautiful family. It is hard to lose someone you love so much. It is wonderful that you have such good memories of her.
I can't imagine what it will be like to lose one of my sisters, we are all so close. In fact we are celebrating my sisters birthday on Sunday. She is the youngest of the girls and the favorite aunt to all of my children. Such memories we have had growing up.- Saturday, September 29, 2007 at 1:45:00 AM PDT
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Aw bless you Naomi and bless RObin - she sounds like she was a good riend as well as a sister!
- Saturday, September 29, 2007 at 3:34:00 AM PDT
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Thank you for sharing your memories of Robin. I know it hurts when a loved one is gone. She sounded like a wonderful person. You were blessed to have her in your life.
Thought I'd stop by after you visited me via Michele. :)- Saturday, September 29, 2007 at 6:57:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
What a lovely tribute to a very special person.
Having grown up with no sisters (or brothers) I envy the wonderful relationship you had with your siblings. It must be great to share a history with someone that has known you all your life. But it certainly must make it that much harder when you lose them. What great and warm memories Robin left you with.- Saturday, September 29, 2007 at 8:17:00 AM PDT
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Naomi, I feel like I know your sister from the lovely tribute you paid her. May your wonderful memories always keep you close to her...
Take care, my friend...- Saturday, September 29, 2007 at 10:40:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
What a nice tribute to your sister :)
- Sunday, September 30, 2007 at 11:49:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
Reading about your sister reminds me of mine. You have such an enormous love for her.
The visual of you ready to run away is so cute!- Monday, October 1, 2007 at 12:25:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
Robin will always be there in that special warm place in your heart to cherish forever. Memories are made of this. My brother Jim who died at age 52 would have been 84 on September 29th and he was all those things to me.
- Monday, October 1, 2007 at 1:43:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
I'm very touched by this. Thank you for sharing it.
- Tuesday, October 2, 2007 at 7:14:00 PM PDT
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Beautiful memories...
- Wednesday, October 3, 2007 at 4:42:00 PM PDT
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