“Gwen” -(Grandpa’s Letter to His Older Sister)

Gwen

“Gwen” was actually my grandpa’s oldest sister.

Gwendolyn “Gwen” was born on December 22nd, 1921 in Cason, Texas. My grandpa came from a family of six kids. Gwen was the oldest girl. Gwen, I believed, went to college, but she did graduate High School.

Gwen, I sadly did not get to know all that well, but I did get to spend time with her at times. She was always a lovely lady and she was very gentle, Gwen died on February 3, 2016 at the age of 94. She has four daughters, that’s all I know, cause I’ve met all of them.

“Gwen” was really dedicated to her, and I don’t know if she ever read this, but here we are:

Gwendolyn, my darling Gwen. You are here, you are there.

You have always been there, especially in those formative years. You saved me from a life I could have regretted.

I never really thanked you for my life, but I think you realized it later.

You are always there in your own ways. You’re there, on your travels, with your family, living the life you always wanted.

You know just as well as I did, our lives didn’t start out that way. I never meant to say things that I did to you, but I know you forgave me for them.

You gave me the courage I needed and I appreciate your strength.

Gwen, I made a promise, years ago, that I would always be there for you, and in my way, I am. I never broke that promise, you practically married a man, with nearly my same name (only except his “Bob” wasn’t actually “Bob”- but mine was). I told him to take care of you and I know marriage is a game, but you didn’t let it break you- in fact, it lasted and I’m happy that it did.

Gwen, I don’t know what I would do without you- but I am glad you are there .

You’ll probably outlive me, you do at most things.

You were always the one that Mama really wanted Sue, and Betty to really look up to, just like Phil was that for me.

You were like a mother to me, and I know that Mama made you that way.

To your kids, I hope they appreciate you, cause I sure did.

It took me almost 20 years to realize what a wonderful sister that I had. You were like Mama, and I knew you got what she had: LOVE.

We all did. The Love we shared, it made sense on why you are the way that you are.

The beauty that you have is incredible and I don’t doubt you will ever run out of that love.

Gwen, do you recall when I was 12, you told me that the world is endless? The world is bigger than we can imagine? Well, I’m sure you saw all that, but I know it was.

You made that possible for me. You made sure that I was ok, even though you lived far away. You were far, but you always came back, and I hugged you and I knew that I would be your baby brother.

Gwen, Thank You.

Thank you for not giving up on me.

Gwen, I know you’ll outlive me, but I promise, I’ll always be there.

Love you Gwen.

Bob