Sunday, February 3, 2013

happy birthday Hannah



Today is my sister Hannah’s would-be 29th birthday.

She turned 17 on her last birthday here on earth.

Hannah was completely beautiful.

She was intelligent. Creative. A perfectionist. Determined. Sassy. Kind-hearted. Funny.

Those of you closest to me know that she treated me quite poorly sometimes. Sisters fight. And I was healthy, when she was not. I forgive her for that.

Sometimes I like to envision that in Heaven, God has those big black binoculars on a pole, and our family members can look down on us and see how we are doing. And I imagine that they wouldn’t see any of our sad moments, because there is no sadness in Heaven, but they would just see a glimpse of us in our happiest times. I like to think that she knows that I found my way out of adolescence, did well in high school, had some amazing college years. I hope she knows that I got married, and that she has an adorable nephew.

I suppose a more theological approach would be to say that when we are reunited with our loves in Heaven, it will only seem like minutes since they last saw us. I can’t wait for that day.

I am grateful for every one of her seventeen years. But I wish there were more. Her life has shaped every facet of my life, from my personality to my faith, my life goals, and my priorities. There is not a day that I don’t think about her and miss her deeply.

If you knew her, I hope that you will think about her today, the times that you had, and what you learned from her life.

If you didn’t know her, I am glad that her circle of influence has now reached you. And I hope that you have learned more about me by seeing my big sister.













I celebrate her birthday every year by making a cake, and sharing her story.




Happy birthday, Hannah!  You would be a gorgeous 29.

6 comments:

  1. I just got a little teary reading this. What a sweet story and sweet sister you are!

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  2. What a beautiful yet sad story. Thank you for sharing.

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  3. This is a beautiful tribute to your sister. No doubt she is looking down with those binoculars right now and smiling. Happy Birthday Hannah!

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  4. Great post, Rach. Have you ever read "Heaven is for Real"?? I just read it on the place home from Cali and I really loved it. It gave such a beautiful, biblical view of heaven through the eyes of a child. It was such a comfort to me. Let me know what you think if you read it!

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  5. Oh sweet friend, if I could hug you I would! I'm sure your sister is so proud of the beautiful woman, wife, & mother that you are. I'm sure she is spending her special day dancing with Jesus. What an amazing birthday gift. :)

    I second the suggestion of "Heaven is for Real", if you haven't read it! It's amazing, and it gave me such a peace.

    Happy Birthday to your sister!

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  6. Wow. That is really all I have to say! I love this so much, thank you for sharing! Happy birthday, Hannah!

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Thank you so much for your comments! I enjoy reading each one!

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