I could've been better Cheri. I wasn't always as patient as I should have been. I didn't come to Edmonton to see you nearly enough and sometimes I didn't answer the phone when you called. I could've been so much better. But I hope you know how much I loved you. I love you so much! I made mistakes and I am so sorry for them but my love for you was deep and sincere. I know there came a point where I became distant and I wish I could have explained it to you but it wouldn't have been right to. Maybe you know now because Jesus has told you. I hope He also told you that it wasn't just you I distanced myself from and also how powerful redemption is. I'm sure He did.
We had some good times and I am so thankful for them. Remember that one time when we were just kids and Grandma was still alive? We were having a sleepover at their house and were making up crazy stories in the dark, just laughing so hard! I'm not even sure what was so funny but I hope I will always remember that night and the sound of your laughter. Another one of my favourite memories is one time you came to visit-it couldn't have been too long ago because I lived in the Villa-and we made apple jelly together. I'm not sure why but I expected you to know all the tricks of the trade because I sure didn't! That turned into an adventure! Didn't I spill apple juice all over the table? I'm pretty sure I did and you just got a cloth right away and cleaned up my mess.
I will always hold dear our last memory. I am so glad I got to see you last weekend! I am so thankful that God gave us one last sleepover. I am so glad we went for breakfast and went mini golfing (don't worry, you didn't lose by too much!) and walked around the mall and that I got to go to your bowling, I will treasure those moments in my heart. I wish I had taken a picture with you that weekend-I thought about it numerous times and I have no clue why I didn't.
You had a heart of gold Cheri, you taught me so much about unconditional love. You taught me to try and always think of others when I'm out doing something for myself, I'm pretty sure that every shopping trip you went on produced a gift for someone in your life and you were always so willing (and raring!) to help others with anything and everything.
You taught me a lot about joy. That smile of yours seemed like it was always present. I know you had sad moments in life but you were always able to bounce back from them and continue smiling- which is the real definition of joy I think.
You taught me what it looks like to be accepting and to include everyone. You were able to meet some of my friends over the years and you always just instantly accepted them as your friends too-asking how they were doing and making sure you could visit them when you were up in the area. You always wanted to make sure everyone was included in everything and I hope I have learned well from you in that.
You taught me about faith. I know you loved the Lord and you trusted in Him fully. There were many times when we were growing up that you couldn't contain your love for God. Thank you for being a good example to me in that.
Like I said, I miss you. I will always miss you as long as I am on this earth. Family gatherings will never be the same, we will notice your absence. I'm so sad that you had to go now, it seems too soon. But I know you are up in Heaven laughing, having a good time and just so happy. I will look forward to Heaven that much more because, like I told Jamie the other day, when it's my turn to enter into glory you'll probably be pushing Jesus out of the way saying, "Hey hey!! Me first! I have to give my cousin a hug!"
I love you.
Love,
Joni
March 7, 1983 - April 30, 2015
