My sister Lynn died this week after a month of steady decline initiated by a virulent infection. Being the sister physically closest to her, I was fortunate to spend most of the final days at her side giving both of us time to iron out the rough spots in our life together.
Lynn was number two of the five “Honeck Girls”. Scattered across the country, we weren’t often part of her life or aware of the experiences she shared with her partner’s family. But it was clear from those pouring into her room that she had touched many lives. For me, it highlighted that relationships are the real thing in life and underscored my favorite saying, “it’s not about the money”.
But then I thought how lucky we are that it’s not about the money. My two Wisconsin sisters flew in to spend time and my oldest sister from North Carolina was also there at the end. And, although it was easy for me to drive to Massachusetts, how lucky that I could take time off. It was easy for all of us to put money concerns behind and Lynn first. Easy for us to know it’s not about the money; being together was most important,
And yet, how sad for others who don’t have this luxury, who aren’t lucky enough to have money to hop on a flight or fill up the gas tank or forgo being paid for awhile. I can only imagine the angst of knowing “it’s all about the money” when they can’t come to their loved one’s side.
So today, among other things, I’m pondering this: it’s not about the money, only after we have found balance in our money. Because if we don’t have that balance and foundation, it becomes all about the money and life’s important moments are lost.
Goodbye Lynn. I love you.
8 thoughts on “Autumn Leave-taking”
Jane, I’m so sorry for your loss of your sister. I pray you’ll find comfort & peace as time goes by.
I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing with us. And thank you for the reminder that it is not about the money!
Therese
I am so sorry to hear this, Jane. You are so right about having your head on straight about a topic as important in our lives as money, can be a real benefit in times of stress like what you have gone through. Toby
Jane, I’m glad you were able to spend time with your sister and I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m thinking of you.
wonderful reminder about relationships, balance, and farewells. a hug to you at this sad time.
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your sister. My sister died suddenly two years ago, so I have an idea what you are going through. It is a loss like no other.
I am so sorry to hear about Lynn. I still can’t believe it. 13 years ago we had a conversation and she told me she was scared to die without no one knows about it… I am glad you had a chance to spend time with her. She was such a great person. I wish I could have been there with you and your family. I am thinking of you, With all my love, Virginie
I too am so sorry for your loss but glad you are one of the fortunate who can spend those precious last hours with loved ones. Your post also struck a chord for me in my giving. It’s important to me to use my giving to help people who are not as fortunate- to relieve the stress of not just crisis’ like the illness of a loved one, but also the day to day challenges of feeding, clothing and housing a family.