Today is filled with mixed feelings for me.
On the one hand, it is my younger sister's birthday. Anita is a fun person, and very talented and kind. For example, she can tap dance, while I have two left feet.
When I started my column years ago, I would always call her and read it to her before sending it to the newspaper. She helped me make it better and I always looked forward to these times.
I am happy to celebrate her birthday and wish her well.
On the other hand, this is also a sad day - it marks the fourth anniversary of my father's death.
My dad's death was unexpected. He apparently threw a blood clot from his leg to his lungs or heart. As a result, he suffered significant brain damage.
I had been in Jacksonville a few days when he first went into the hospital and things were uncertain. My stepmother discontinued life support two days after I returned home, and I couldn't get there in time.
Anita was kind enough to text me throughout the process and let me know what was happening. I was on a video call with my daughter-in-law Amanda when Dad passed. Amanda told my grandchild Lavinia, who was three at the time, "Grandma is sad. Can you give her hugs and kisses?"
That sweet child rained hugs and kisses on that phone.
So, if you see me today, I might be smiling at some memory I share with Anita. Or I might be sad as I reflect on the loss of my father.
Either way, a hug isn't wrong.
