For 80 years, you have been my little sister. Over the years, we shared good times and sad times, but mostly good times. I remember when we moved from Heights to North Houston and started school at Barrick Elementary. You were in kindergarten, I was in the third grade, and Joyce was in the fifth grade. I remember the three of us walking to school together. Kindergarten got out an hour earlier, so Mom would come to school and walk home with you. By the time Joyce completed sixth grade and went to Burbank Junior High, Mom was working on the Kitchen Staff at Barrick, and we would walk to school with her.
Childhood illnesses like measles, chicken pox, and mumps would run through the schools in cycles. You and I had those at the same time and stayed home together. Most of the kids who lived near us were girls about your age, so many of my early memories of playing outside with you and the neighbor girls, several of whom you have remained in contact with all these years.
I remember you introducing me to some of your friends in high school, which led to one or more dates. I cherish memories of the times we double-dated and did things, more as friends than brother and sister. I am grateful to have pictures to remind me of the Stardust Ball in 1961, when you, Joyce, and I were all there together, sharing that moment in time. I am also glad to have pictures of your high school prom that I was able to be part of as a date for one of your closest friends.
JoAnn, if it were not for you, I may have never had that first date with Eva. I will forever be thankful to you for the part you played. You were there as Eva’s Bridesmaid in our wedding and helped with getting everything done at the church and elsewhere in just a couple of days.
You are a part of my early memories of those family trips with our parents and the new places, especially the long trip to Seattle to visit Uncle George. Memories of family gatherings for birthdays, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
I already miss our visits and phone calls when we discussed events that had brought joy into our lives and those when we shared feelings that caused periods of sorrow. I will forever be grateful for those discussions involving our faith in Jesus. I know one day, we will all be together again.
9 But as it is written:
“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
1 Corinthians 2:9 New King James Version
JoAnn, I love you, Richard
Alan Jackson – When We All Get To Heaven
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