Ah June!
I’m feeling nostalgic this week. Thinking about my beautiful sister June who passed away from a neurological disorder in 2017. She was three years younger than I but we were close throughout our lives.
I remember a funny incident from our childhood when I was in first grade. My reading and spelling were so advanced I was moved to the second grade classroom for reading period. That meant walking up the wide staircase to the second floor of the school where all the big kids were. I was so excited I thought my heart would burst.
At home Mom had June quiz me on spelling words at night before we fell asleep. I guess she thought it was something to do to keep us in bed. At the time June was three and I was six. What could June possibly know about second grade spelling words? Not much as far as I was concerned so Mom said to pick whatever words June could think of.
June popped up with the word chifferobe. “What? That’s not a second grade word,” I shouted.
“You should know it,” she teased, pointing to the closet-dresser combination by that name, which we had in our small bedroom.
I cried for her to stop and she just laughed. I imagine Mom came in to settle things. I went to sleep very upset and never spelled for June again—ever!
We laughed about that incident over and over. June went on to earn a Ph.D. in theology and had a 40-year career as a professor at the University of California, Riverside campus. I’m sure she had plenty of opportunities to test her own spelling along the way.
Oh how I miss her. Here is a picture of an art piece she painted one year–a reminder of her many talents.
She had a stunning inner and outer beauty – and in the most special way, made her students recognize they had a voice to contribute. I will remember this saint all my life. Thank you for sharing this lovely tribute.
Thanks for your lovely comment, Stephanie.
What a lovely tribute, Karen. June was beautiful, inside and out – I think I only met her once but she was so genuine, gracious. I love the photo of the two of you together. You had a special bond – despite not ever spelling for June again after “chifferobe!” I’m 71 and that word has not been in my vocabulary! Love you.
Thanks, Carol. The incident I shared is among my many humorous memories of dear June.
So very sweet. Thank you for sharing. I love her challenging you with the weird word.
I was reminded the other day in church, of my sister who passed in May of 2018, too. We sang “Great is Thy Faithfulness”—my sister, Holly, introduced me to that song 40 years ago and I still think of her when I sing, “…morning by morning new mercies I see. All I have needed Thy hand hath provided, great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.”
We are blessed to have shared a great life with them both. love, Heidi
Yes, Heidi, you know the pain of losing a beloved sister. It’s a blessing to know we will meet again on the other side and meanwhile we have our memories to warm us.
Amen!!
Really enjoyed the ‘story’ of you and your sister with the spelling and the art work is beatiful! I know what it is like to lose a special sibling. Since I am the youngest of seven and am 92 years old it is obvious that I have ‘lost’ all of mine and also their spouses but I do know we will meet again and I often smile and also laugh at the things I remember that we did. We are blessed with good memories.
Love to you, Margaret
Thanks, Margaret. I can see that you and I have similar experiences when it comes to our dear siblings, those present and past.
Having the privilege of being invited to a number of your family events over the years, I recall just how warm and engaging June always was towards me. While no doubt somewhat bittersweet for you, what you have written was lighthearted- and something that definitely touched my heart and reminded me of the special bond the two of you shared. Sending love and hugs to you, across the miles. 💕
Thanks, Glenda. I’m so happy you had the chance to enjoy June’s company.
I miss June more than I can say. Intelligent, wise, kind, so generous. I know you loved her. She lived you too. Great photo if you both. ❤️❤️
Thanks, Julie. As the years pass I miss her more and more and sometimes can hardly contain the sorrow I feel. We had such plans for when we were widows. But now I have only memories–ones to cry over and ones to laugh about. Both special. I know she was a very special aunt in your life. She was so proud of your following in her footsteps with your theological studies.
I did not know your sister, but she surely was a talented, lovely person.
I have an older sister and I know how they are.:) We are much better friends as adults than we were at times as children. She is still with us and relatively healthy at 91.
Memories are the one thing we take with us to heaven, I believe. Won’t it be wonderful when we all meet again.
God bless your memory of her!
Yes, so wonderful when we all meet again. Thanks for adding your comment, Etta Mae. I’m happy you have a sister still living.