Cindy Ann
What a year this week has been! Try as I might to be Zen and peace-filled, the past seven days have been really, really hard. As my family was lovingly gathered to sit vigil as our sister made her way to heaven, I was exactly 816.9 miles away awaiting THE call.
A little background…My sister, Cindy, the oldest of 7 children, was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy as an infant. The doctors told my parents not to expect her to live past 5; she died at the age of 70. The fact that she defied all odds is a testament to our mother’s tenacity and dedication. With every obstacle and challenge, our mom advocated for Cindy and others who shared similar disabilities.
Cindy was a hoot. She called our mom “Betty” and she smiled from ear-to-ear whenever Betty walked in the room. Cindy’s mental capacity was limited. She knew her name but couldn’t spell it or write it. She knew color words but couldn’t tell you if the flower was yellow or red (To her credit, she would keep guessing until she got it right). She loved quarters, M&Ms with peanuts, and The Best of the Guess Who (she had good taste in music). She coveted the Sears Christmas catalog and read the paper every day (sometimes it was upside down; she must have been a REALLY good reader 😊). She could cuss like a sailor, and when that proved to be problematic for Betty, Cindy made up her own curse words. If she was mad, she might call you a “spoon and fork.” If she was really p*ssed, you got called a “dishrag.” Imagine our friends’ confusion when Cindy got in trouble for saying ‘dishrag.’
For many years, we’ve watched as Cindy’s quality of life diminished. She could no longer walk, and her ability to talk was reduced to a few words. She still smiled every time she saw Betty, but it was obvious she was declining. Although none of us could imagine life without Cindy, we wished and prayed for the day she would be free from the limitations and indignities she had endured her whole life.
Betty has always said, “Nothing can happen to me as long as Cindy is still here.” Being the family skeptic, I wasn’t quite sure that’s how that works, but by golly, Betty’s faithful prayers were answered, and Cindy is now surrounded by family who’ve gone before her. Cindy was such a gift to our family. She was the best among us, and she will be dearly missed.
Posted: by dlb916
Category: Uncategorized
Denise my heart is sad for you and especially your mom. But my heart is so happy to know she’s in Heaven reading books, dancing and eating all the candy she wants.
Beautiful tribute to your sister, and to the strength of your mom. Such love. You’ve sure been in my heart this week. May there be peace for all of you.
The perfect tribute to your sister and your Mom. Your Mom defines the meaning of selflessness in her devotion to your sister. Thinking of you and your family this weekend and sending love and prayers.
Thinking of you! ❤️ I remember so many Cindy stories. I think God must have placed her in your family so she could have the best life ever – and she did!
Love conquers all. What a beautiful tribute to your sweet sister and testament to your family’s love and your mom’s strength. All our love to you, D – today, this week, and always.
Thinking of you and family with love and appreciation for the knowledge and experiences you have shared with us all. I’m sorry that I never met your sister. I look forward to hearing more stories as our visit approaches. Wishing you many blessings in the days to come.
And when she was good she was very good but when she was bad she was – funny! At least to those of us that only saw her occasionally. Her smile was so wonderful. And BETTY IS THE STRONGEST WOMAN I HAVE EVER MET. I’m sure God took great care in choosing Betty to be Cindy’s mom. What a wonderful tribute, Denise.
You made me cry again. I love that woman. She is dancing to her music, smiling and singing.
I never met Cindy in person, but your mom talked about her. Betty and I got to know each other through while working together with LCDCMO. Your mom loves her beautiful daughter fiercely, as I do mine. She is one of the most amazing women I’ve ever met, and I’m sure that Cindy inherited her inimitable spirit from your mom. I am so very sorry for the loss of her daughter and your sister, but we all know she’s smiling down, grateful to our loving Father for the privilege of a very special mother’s love ❤️. Who knows, maybe she and Jessica will get to meet and both can run and dance and sing together!
Cindy was that “one of a kind”. Your tribute describes her as no other could. She touched the lives of so many in her 70 years. Your mother is also as you describe, one of perseverance and an amazing example of “motherhood “. My life was blessed by knowing them. RIP Cindy!