Jonathan Swift wrote: "It is impossible that anything so natural, so necessary, and so universal as death should ever have been designed by Providence as an evil to mankind." Scripture tells us "precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints." And yet we hold on tight to our dear loved ones, not willing to let them go, even as we watch their unbearable sufferings. Only the power of Christ can bring sweetness out of bitterness, strength out of tragedy and blessing out of heartache. First and foremost, Margaret was my sister.She was the first of nine children; then came two brothers and then me. She was my "big sister." Oh, what meaning those words hold -- "my big sister." A little mother most of her early years, helping to care for the younger siblings when she was not suffering herself with terrible asthma. She was my best friend growing up -- I wanted to be just like her! She had a heart bigger than all outdoors and she never met a stranger, never turned away from someone in need, was a friend to all. She was a hard and faithful worker and loved and served the Lord faithfully. She comforted me through much heartache in my own life in later years. She was what some in my day would lovingly refer to as a "tough old bird." She survived two husbands; one was taken to heaven suddenly, the other suffered for a number of years and she was his faithful and loving caregiver until the Lord took him home.I will miss her more than words could ever express -- our long chats by telephone these latter years, remembering and reliving our early days. Laughing uncontrollably about silly things--past and present! But, were I able, would I call her back to this sin-ridden world? No way!Weep not dear ones, my sister Margaret is not dead--she is resting in the arms of Jesus her Savior!##imported-begin##Mary Catherine Sheffield##imported-end##
