Penelope Josephine

Wow...I've tried writing this post about 4 times and just can't seem to get the words out correctly.

One year ago, I came home and received a call from my mother.  My little sister, Penelope, had died.  I remember getting very upset at my mom and accusing her of trying to play a very mean joke on me.  I insisted on talking to my father to verify the information.  My heart was beating so fast and all I could hear from my dad were the sobs from finding his daughter's lifeless body.  I knew it was no joke.  All I wanted at that second was to go to my parents.  I wanted them to hold me and comfort me as if I was a toddler.  I wanted to crawl on my dad's lap and have him rock me like he used to when I was scared.  I wanted him to protect me from this news I had just received.  But I couldn't do any of these things--my dad told me to stay home and come to there house tomorrow as he did not want me to drive in my state of mind.  The next day, I did go to my parents' home and just held them for the longest time.  My other 2 siblings live out of state and had not yet arrived...I became this person that I would never thought I could be.  I did everything I could to relieve my parents' burden. I didn't sleep for about 4 days.  I was running on strength that could have only be supplied by God.
For the past year, I have missed my sister every day.  The first 3 months, I would still try to call her and then hang up after realizing she wouldn't be answering.  I finally had my big break-down about 2 weeks ago and let all the tears come out...although there may be more hidden.
Pene may have kept my life interesting (ok, drama), but I would give anything to have it back.  I miss laughing with her and having our sarcastic conversations.  I miss being able to drive my kids over to her house and letting them share a day with her kids.  I miss seeing her 3 adorable children and watching them grow.  I still get upset some days...upset that she left us to go on without her.  I never imagined my life without her being a part of it...she was like my 'partner in crime' in a sense.
I have learned not to take anyone in your life for granted...God put them there for a reason, regardless of how long.  I am so thankful for Paul and the kids and there unconditional love for me and my crazy family.  I am so glad they were all able to know my beautiful little sister for the short time she was with us. 

Penelope Josephine Reyes
12/18/1980 - 11/20/2008
Psalm 23