My older sister Celia died last Saturday after a short but intense fight with leukemia. She was diagnosed with the disease a week and a half earlier. Because the type of leukemia she had was supposed to be very treatable, my family was optimistic that our sister would pull through. However, Celia’s body didn’t respond well to the chemo that the doctors started her on, and her organs began to shut down a couple of days after she began treatment. After a bad reaction to dialysis, Celia developed a brain aneurysm and never woke up after that. I’ll miss her more than I can ever hope to express.
Those of you who knew Celia know what an amazing person she was. Those of you who didn’t know her, I wish you could have. She was smart, funny, kind — everything a big sister should be. She encouraged my love of reading even before I could tell an A from a Q. We had a deal that I could get in bed with her at night and she would read to me if I let her put her cold feet on my legs to warm them up — I still think I got the better end of that bargain. She always made up original games for me and my brothers and sisters to play, and she came up with the best characters for playing make-believe; Old Dame Dob and Gretchen von Klutz were two of my favorites. Unfortunately, neither of those characters ever made it into any of the numerous family plays she wrote and directed. The audience (Mom, Dad, grandparents) always seemed to love those plays, even though the acting was far from Tony-worthy.
As we grew older, I loved spending hours talking to her. Often when I’d visit her, we’d stay up talking and laughing (she was always laughing — one thing I loved about her) until 2 or 3 in the morning. Then she’d get up at 6 the next day to make sure her kids had everything they needed to make it to school prepared and on time. And she was always cheerful doing it. She was one of my best examples of love, compassion and selflessness in life, and I’m eternally grateful for the time I’ve spent with her.
Update: Here’s a slideshow from Celia’s funeral.
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Maren,
I am so sorry and wanted to offer my condolences. I am always at a loss for words on occasions like these, because I know mere words cannot possibly provide the solace you need. But your words of remembrance are a beautiful tribute to your sister. I wish you and your loved ones all the best in these difficult times.
Warmest wishes,
Tiffany
Maren, that is so tragic. What a terrible loss. She sounds like an AMAZING sister and that you have many great memories of her. I would have liked her very much. I think I might borrow those two make believe characters because they are classics! I’m so sorry for you and your family. You are in my prayers.
Love, Amber
Maren – Watching this video again makes me so sad for you guys, but also happy for you that you had such an amazing sister in your life, even if it was for way too short. Families are forever… Celia always treated me almost like a sister and I loved her too… my heart goes out to all your family (Hunts & Turleys), which I love very much, and I will keep praying for all you guys. Although I could never express properly in words, I’m glad I was able to attend and try and share a little bit of love with you guys…
Lots of love and hugs from Seattle!
Megan
Maren,
Great website. I wanted to thank you and your family for making me feel so welcome. I may have only spent a few years with Celia, but we had many great times and memories together. Those are the years I treasure most as I grew the most. Both Celia and your family taught me more than you will ever know…
Thank you…Keep in touch,
Sherrie Johnson Svedberg