Monday, May 12, 2008

In honor of my sister, Bettina



My little sister died at about 5 pm CST from stage IV cervical cancer. The cancer also spread to her lungs and spine. She recently fractured her back and that really speeded up the decline in her health. She came back home from New York and was in a nearby hospice. It all happened very quickly once she was in the hospice.
Tina was only 36 years old. She was eight years younger than I am. I took care of her a lot when she was little. We did not become more like peers until we were adults. She was an editor for a trade magazine. She loved to read, to cook, was a Winnie-the-Pooh and Tigger fanatic, Trekkie, and loved anything chocolate. She always had long hair while I had short. I wore contacts while she wore glasses. Yes, we were pretty opposite in many ways. Tina always supported me doing art. She spoiled my kids rotten.
I just read a book for her since she could not read one herself in quite awhile. My dh and the kids got me the book, Sunday at Tiffany's, for Mom's Day. I just sat and read it. She would have liked it. She was a sucker for love stories.
Bye Tina. I'm glad it doesn't hurt anymore. No need to be scared. We miss you, too.

25 comments:

Judy said...

I'm so sorry about your sister...I'm fairly new to your blog.. and you are such a giving person...I wish I could help you with your grief in someway..Judy know that you are in my thoughts and prayers..and know that she is free as a bird...soaring above..and free from pain..

Christy said...

There is nothing I could say but that I am sorry and know that folks here in the art world are thinking of you, your family and your sister.

SC-The Artful Mama said...

Belinda,
I'm so sorry for your loss. I can't imagine how difficult this has been for you and your family. Maybe you will do an artistic tribute for your dear little sis. I bet she would like that. We could get a collection of Pooh and Star Trek images for you! :)
Take good care of yourself and your family..... remember that your sis is now watching over you, like you watched over her when you were kids.......
xoxoxox
Susan Chong
beegsmachine@yahoo.com

rscoach said...

Belinda - so sorry to hear of your sister's passing - I can only imagine how difficult this must be for you - but at the same time I am glad that she went quickly and did not have to suffer more than she did - words can not express to you how deeply sorry I am - please, please let me know if there is anything I can do for you or your family - my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time - hugs - Reva (Los Angeles)

martha brown said...

I'm so sorry, Belinda. I'm thinking of you and your family at this incredibly hard time.

Michelle said...

Belinda, I am so very sorry for you loss. You and your family will be in my thoughts. Michelle

Peggy said...

Oh, Belinda, I am so sorry about your sister. I wish you and your family peace.
Peg

Diana said...

My heart goes out to you and your family on this loss of your dear sister. Our siblings are such a huge part of who we are and our link to the world and I know it will be hard as you adapt to this empty place her death will leave in your life. I'm a big believer in healing by remembering all the wonderful times you had with her and hope that your memories and shared love will help you through.

Carolyn said...

Belinda, my condolences to you, your mom and family members. It is sad and difficult when a loved one leaves us. Her pain is over and she is at peace.

I'm sure she realized how much you loved her.

Carolyn

Anonymous said...

I'm so very sorry for your loss. A sister is a great friend and holds a special place in the heart. You will be in my prayers as you go through this loss.
Katie from New York

Spike said...

Oh, Belinda. I'm so very sorry to hear of your loss.

You and yours will be in my thoughts.

Spike

Anonymous said...

Belinda,
My heart goes out to your family for the loss of your sister. It hurts. I lost a dear friend to this kind of cancer. It's quick, nasty and deadly.
(((((((((Belinda & family))))))))))
Bea

Cory said...

I am so sorry about your lose, my deepest condolence to you and your family.

Cory

Judiwithaneye00 said...

I am so sorry for your loss. It is even worse when someone you nutured in their growing years dies. The only comfort for you, Belinda, is you were there for her and her pain has ended. The loss of a sibling is unique pain.

Hugs......Judi Foster

Suzanne said...

Belinda, I am so sorry for your loss. Please take care of you during this painful time. Suzanne

JeanM said...

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your sister. I am at a total loss for words to express my sympathy. Please know I care.
JeanM

Sandy said...

Belinda,
Thanks for introducing your sister. The pictures and the details were heartfelt. I'm sure she appreciated the reading of your new book. It was so wonderful that you could be with her during her last days.
Sandy

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry that you lost your sister Belinda. :(( My heart goes out to you and all of your family.

The pictures and description you posted about her show a very loving and giving person.

Remember, she will always be with you in your heart, memories, and spirit. She will never really be far away.

Pam

Debby said...

Belinda I just read your post about your sister. I am so very sorry for your loss. Be at peace as you know your sister is. Take care of yourself and your family and know that you are loved by many people.
Debby

Maija said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Your sister was so lucky to have had you in her life!

Linda Jo said...

Belinda... I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.

Marrianna said...

I have read your blog posts ever since you told us about your sister's illness. I was so surprised that she passed so quickly. Bless you and your family. My heart reaches out to you.

Shoshanah said...

belinda, i don't know what to say, except that i am so sorry.

Marva Plummer-Bruno said...

Belinda - I am so sorry about your sister. I had no idea...the last post I read was about her coming back and going to hospice.... I'll keep all of you in my prayers. Marva

Unknown said...

I would like to say how sorry I am; I am so glad that you have your memories of your sister, it is so sad to hear of her passing so young...please accept my heart felt condolences.
Take care, xxx