Little Sister

Hey, little sister

Been ten years since you were taken from us

I'll never forget the day you called me

Your words outlined with fear and worry

You relayed what the doctor told you

We both had the C word trapped between pursed lips

But you, Candy, my little sister were able to muster the courage to say it

Cancer

Right then was the exact moment I felt a large piece of my heart dissolve

I was your big brother, your protector

But I was without physical strength or even weapons to fight this malicious foe

I watched for months, as you drifted away from us like a beautiful butterfly

Caught in a fierce wind, too weak and too delicate to alter its course

I held back a torrent of tears so Mom would not see

I was with you on the final night

You whispered to me, "I'm ready"

Two words that shiver my spine to this day when ever I hear them

Our sister summoned the priest

And I did what I had to do, telling the doctor

To keep you as comfortable as possible

He gave me a compassionate nod

When I was sure you were in no more pain

I kissed your cheek and went home

There was nothing big brother could do

The call came at 3:00 AM that morning

You were gone.

I cry freely now that Mom can't see

Over the last ten years I think I've cried enough

To change an ocean's tides

I do know this though

Heaven is a much sweeter place

Ever since my little sister Candy arrived