I'm sitting at my desk trying to figure out what I'm going to type, how I'm going to start this story.
JoAnna Albers was my sister. We were never related by blood but I've never known her as anything but. Oh how I miss her. (just breath Jennie so you can get this blog out) She was a rock, a steady friend in my life. She was full of life and energy always seeing the best in people (but didn't stand for BS). She loved me, my husband and my kids like we were always supposed to be in her life. Her cooking and sarcasm went hand in hand. It always felt good to be near her and around her. Our kids thought they were cousins even from a young age. JoAnna and I talked about how awesome it would be if Wesley and Ryan would marry because we would already LOVE our in-laws. The thought of this now makes me happy and sad at the same time just thinking about "what if"?!
JoAnna was diagnosed with a brain tumor two years ago and we all thought we had more time (at least 5-7years) She was fairly healthy those two years with chemo treatments and what not (never fun) but those 2 years gave us hope for more. She went down hill probably the last few months of her life and it all seemed to happen quickly. Which in the end we all agreed was for the better so she didn't suffer too much.
The last time I saw her alive she had a tube down her throat so playing charades was the name of the game. I cried into her shoulder that day and she just hugged me tight. Two days later she passed away with family all around her. Sitting by her side and watching the Lord take someone you love dearly home was a life changing experience that I'll always have. She left this world greatly loved and will be greatly missed. I'm forever changed by her presence in my life. She taught me to be strong, to be confidant, to stand up for what I believe is right and to love with all I have.
Even now after she is gone I see her all over my house and in my life. From wall art in my kids room, to gifts she gave us over the years. Even the memories of her are engrained in every important event of my adult life from our wedding, baby showers, birthdays, camping trips with us, etc. I could go on and on with the numerous memories her smiling face shows up in! The family holidays will not be easy this year. I expect them to be hard, with some tears and then spouts of laughter remembering her.
Two weeks before she passed away I was able to swing over to her house and capture these last images of her family. I will never forget this day as it was my last 'girl time' with her. She was so strong and the sunshine was just amazing. Sitting on her back patio watching the kids play and just chit chatting with her was a perfect memory to leave me with.
JoAnna I can't believe you were only in my life for 11 years but we made those 11 years count didn't we?!
