I don't really blog anymore. Heather's just so darn good at it that I leave it in her capable hands. :)
But I decided today might be worth an exception.
A year ago today my oldest sister Sam passed away. A couple days ago I finished a book called Making Toast, a true story about another family who also lost someone suddenly (I highly recommend it by the way).
I related to a lot of it, but particularly to this passage:
"Odd that I seem to know Amy more completely in death than I did when she was alive . . . there was so much to her life that I was unaware of until now, when I speak with her friends and colleagues and learn of this sound decision or of that small gesture of thoughtfulness."
That's exactly how I feel about Sam. I'm amazed by the impact she had on others' lives and extremely honored to call her my sister. My only regret is that I didn't take the time to know more of her goodness while I still had the chance to tell her how much I look up to her.
Over the past year I've tried my best to make sure the same thing doesn't happen with any of my other siblings. There's still so much to learn, but the deeper relationships I already have with each of them make me happy.
So, in tribute to Sam, here's one (of many) reason why I look up to each of them:
Matt: he talks openly to me about his feelings and emotions and lets me talk to him about mine.
Rach: she's one of the best mothers i know. she cares deeply about her family and makes the tough sacrifices to care for their well-being in the most meaningful of ways.
Alex: he proactively provides me with regular opportunities to develop relationships with his kids.
Luke: he values my opinions and is always content to listen to them before he shares his own.
Heber: he's willing to take risks and forge his own path through life.
I hope I have many more years to learn even more reasons.
That's exactly how I feel about Sam. I'm amazed by the impact she had on others' lives and extremely honored to call her my sister. My only regret is that I didn't take the time to know more of her goodness while I still had the chance to tell her how much I look up to her.
Over the past year I've tried my best to make sure the same thing doesn't happen with any of my other siblings. There's still so much to learn, but the deeper relationships I already have with each of them make me happy.
So, in tribute to Sam, here's one (of many) reason why I look up to each of them:
Matt: he talks openly to me about his feelings and emotions and lets me talk to him about mine.
Rach: she's one of the best mothers i know. she cares deeply about her family and makes the tough sacrifices to care for their well-being in the most meaningful of ways.
Alex: he proactively provides me with regular opportunities to develop relationships with his kids.
Luke: he values my opinions and is always content to listen to them before he shares his own.
Heber: he's willing to take risks and forge his own path through life.
I hope I have many more years to learn even more reasons.
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7 comments:
Thanks. A good exception.
Jed: a dedicated family man and an intelligent participant in just about any conversation.
What a great tribute. Got me all weepy. You Eastmans are such an amazing group of people!!
What can I say, Jed?
Absolutely eloquent.
I love you and Heather (and Frankie), and I'm so honored to be your Pop.
We were all surprised at the breadth of Samantha's influence. Ken said the same thing to us last Sunday as we skyped. The good thing is that she now knows how we all feel about her.
Great post bro. Been thinking about Sam all day. I hope they have internet connection up there so she can read what you wrote. I think she'd like it.
You are a great brother, Jed. Such a nice tribute to Sam. I wish I would have known her better, and maybe one day I will.
I like this post. Came here and read it after reading your mom's post about the same book.
I wrote a post about each of my siblings a while back, and I felt a lot of joy in doing it. Thanks for sharing.
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