Simple Treasures

Caught somewhere between fragile and strong. It kind of feels like the grace of flying as you’re tripping over your shoelace.

She said, I have to go now,
my time here is over
Then she whispered softly,
Time will ease your pain,
Life’s about changing,
Nothing ever stays the same.
And she said,
How can I help you to say goodbye
It’s OK to hurt, and it’s OK to cry
Come, let me hold you and I will try
How can I help you to say goodbye
-Patty Loveless

Monica taught me how to survive, because above all things she was a survivor. She was fearless in all of her pursuits, even if we all knew it was a bad decision. She was brave and courageous, she had to face things I could never dream about and she was graceful in that regard, she didn’t speak of it. She spent most of her life being tough, fighting battles that weren’t hers or battles she didn’t even know about. I’ll admit I was a classic little sister hiding behind her muscle and reputation. Monica gave me much more than material gifts she gave me confidence.

When she loved, she loved passionately, intensely, and boldly. She was our protector and she had so many qualities that I wish I had.

I guess from what I’ve experienced, it’s better to feel, than to be numb.

Random memories soar through my mind all the time. I can imagine a blue ’74 Ford and think it was her driving. I picture her telling me when to shift as she pushed in the clutch and as we took corners too fast. Shania Twain’s “whose bed have your boots been under” blaring in the speakers. So funny, her memory will never fade.

I don’t know that I’d call her a ghost of my memory, but rather my angel of recollection. She’s one of my life’s treasures that I love to share.

Happy 38th!

-kristin l. cook