My sister Martha would have been 63 today. I would have made her a beautiful cake and bought her a pretty present. But she’s been gone for almost 30 years, so I will drink some bubbly for her (not the Frexinet she favored, but what we have will do), remember the good times and be grateful that her husband, who still misses her, has built a good life for himself and that their daughter, who never knew her, has grown up to be kind, smart, and happy.
Martha was stubborn, bold, and always open to an adventure. In high school, she ran away from home with a boyfriend and for a while took up with some questionable characters before deciding that she wanted more choices in life. She came home and went to community college where she learned some valuable computer skills, and went on to earn more than I ever did. She lived with us in Toledo for a couple of years and was a much-loved aunt to my kids (imagine first sip of alcohol, first tattoo, learning to ride a bike – just imagine!). She grew up. After a few years, in my back yard, wearing our mother’s wedding dress and carrying flowers from the Toledo Farmers Market, she married our friend Steve, who was a good balance for her. They had fun together, traveled, and eventually became parents. Martha was a good mom to their daughter Gina for the almost 2 years they had together.
I miss her.