IN A HEARTBEAT

This is to and for my twin sister. She passed away in December, 2013. I miss her terribly

When I found out you were ill, I hoped it was someones idea of sick humor, but about cancer, we never joke. So, you put on the mantle of a heavy yoke.

I was with you every day. I tried to give you rest from its weight, but  no matter what we couldn't change your fate.'

At first, we shopped a lot, looking for the perfect top and late mornings it was our favorite "Property Brothers" TV program. (You preferred the Real Estate Agent. I liked the one with the tools.)

You craved sweets, so lots of cakes were baked and we were animals, not needing plates, as we ate right from the pan.

At times, my thoughts would stray, thinking how 30 years ago, my good health was taken away. The struggle its been to get up every day, the feelings of uselessness and unrelenting pain.

You were the one who held sisters and brothers together, the glue that kept us from falling apart.

Sue, in a heartbeat I'd have taken the illness from you. You had so much more living to do, while my living has been trying to endure.

In a heartbeat I would have taken the illness from you.

Reviews

[Patricia Wedel]

dearest Barbara.. you and your twin sister Sue.
I know the feeling well. I was an only child when
my Mother Edith was seventeen... later in years, we were almost like sisters.
She passed away at age fifty-eight from Cancer... much too young.
I am growing old for both of us. Love your Title, "In a Heart Beat".
So Sweet and endearing. tenderly, Pat

[Barbara Walker]

thank you. so sorry about your mom. we have some things in common

[zainul]

Dear Barbara,
I am overwhelmed by your passionate story about your twin sister.Your story reflects your pure love for her.
It is true that everybody must embrace death,but still we can't tolerate the loss.
We love to remember our dear ones who left this beautiful world.
I pray that your sister will live in peace in paradise.

[wordman]

best friends is hard to forget and i`m sure she is smiling down on you

[Barbara Walker]

Thank you my friend

[wordman]

you`re welcome

[Einstein Noodle]

i don't know how i missed this two years ago. it is so very poignant and moving .. now the lump is in me own throat dear friend... everything in this piece of prose/poetry/journal speaks directly to my heart .. i know this place too well my friend and could never say it better. sending up my prayers for you right now .. for comfort and assurance .. the world holds so many mysteries after all doesn't it .. the living and the dying .. sending big hugs my friend! such a perfect tribute to your sister's memory.
E.

[Barbara Walker]

Thank you, my friend. I rarely visit the poems that I wrote for and about my twin sister. The pain isn't any less, though I keep hearing it will lessen. I am glad I saw your name here, as it always makes me smile.

[Einstein Noodle]

top o' the mahrnin' to ya, Barb! and ... it does .. and will ... we learn patience and long suffering through such horrific losses. My heart goes out to you my friend. It is one of those things that just sucks ... I am so sorry for your loss. Stay safe .. be well ...

[barleygirl]

This is a heartfelt & honest confessional with great details so we become filled with the feelings of how things were between you & your twin sister. I'm sorry for the way your story goes, but as far as such things go, you capture many important unforgettable aspects of sharing life & the end of a life with each other. Many say "I wish i could trade places" . . . (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie