Family Always came first..

One of the really big things I always loved about my sister Wilma was her never ending love for family. Her heart was as big as the state of Texas. She was generous with her home and her money and her love.

At one time or another every sibling along with Mom and Pete (mom's husband) lived and were supported by Wilma and her husband Jack. She opened her small two bedroom home to us all and we slept on the pull out couch and all over the floor. Her kitchen was always full of wonderful food smells as she fed us all. She delighted in drop-in company and would have a meal whipped up in minutes. Meals around Willies kitchen table were always a highlight of the evening and on Sunday for mid day dinner. My brothers and sisters will eagerly tell the stories of her love and generosity.

Coming from real poverty after our fathers death Wilma longed and worked toward a better life for her family. As things got better in her life and she moved into a bigger home and upgraded her surroundings she never once turned her back on the less fortunate family members. Worldly things were very unimportant to her. It was people that were at the top of her priority list. Her home was always full of friends and family and laughter. Great stories, music and good food became the norm.

We recently had our every two year family reunion and she was constantly in my thoughts as we all came together for food, fun and lots of funny stories. Although none of her children or grandchildren attended the reunion I know SHE was there in spirit. Had she still been on this earth she would have most certainly been there in person giving us all her big hugs and warm words of love and support. Willie like myself loved her brothers with a passion and they reciprocated that love. Her name is constantly spoken when they are around.

As the years pass we continue to lose our siblings. It is now more than ever that I am thankful for my big family. It is a little easier to grieve when you have brothers and sisters to grieve with. Yes kids and grandkids are special and really important but there is just something special about a brother or sister. They have after all been with you from birth and have shared such an enormously important part of your life. I feel sorry for those who have never shared the love and friendship of a special sister like mine. Love you Willie!