A long long time ago, in a land not far from here was a sweet young couple and their one daughter. They dreamed of having a big family. Not soon after, the couple gave birth to two more daughters and one son. The daughters would grow up to be the best of friends but their only son would not make it. Though, little Tommy would leave a little piece of him in the girls he would never grow up or fall in love.
The daughters, Viola, Mae, and Wilma would walk to school each day together having fun and playing along the way. During the winter months, these three girls could throw a snowball as good as any boy and don't let them fool you in those cute little dresses they knew how to climb trees and fish too.
The three sisters would grow up to be wives, mothers, grandmothers, great-grandmothers but one thing never changed. Their sister bond only grew stronger. The three would marry and live within miles of one another all except for Mae. She lived two hours away. The three sisters would talk on the phone every day for hours on end and see each other as often as they could.
When their parents got old and could no longer care for themselves they would take turns all week long staying with them day and night. Cooking for them, caring for them, taking them to doctors appointments and making sure that their parents had the best care all the way to the end.
After many years, the youngest sister, Mae would soon part this life and venture on without them. Both Wilma and Viola took the news hard. It was hard loosing their best friend but it strengthened their bond to something no one could come between.
Many years later, each morning the two sisters would talk on the phone for hours. See each other every Sunday, enjoy lunch after church and play aggravation for hours. When possible, Wilma's granddaughter would take them into town where they could do their shopping together, eat out, and occasionally enjoy an ice cream cone.
Anyone that knew these sisters knew just how special their bond was. For anyone who did not know them, just spending a few minutes with them would let you see how special they were. Not only was their faith strong their love for one another was fierce. Some could say a force to be reckoned with.
October 15th, Viola, would celebrate her 94th birthday. Little did anyone know that this would be her last birthday. In just 2 short weeks she would suffer a massive heart attack and be placed in a nursing home for care. Viola fought hard. Harder than any one person. But her faith was strong, as she would say 'If its my time, its my time to go. I've lived a good life'. Wilma would go to the nursing home and spend hours with her sister. Caring for her. Loving her. Telling her about her week.
This would go on until January. When, Viola took a turn for the worse. Just shortly after 3:30 p.m. on January 7th, 2019 we would get the phone call that everyone dreads. Viola had passed shortly before 3 p.m. Leaving behind her grieving sister. The following weeks would be difficult on everyone. But more so on Wilma as her 92nd birthday was only days away.
Wilma's granddaughter, that would be me, wanted to give her something extra special for this birthday. And I knew no amount of money would help heal her heart but maybe a portrait could start. So, I sat out to create a one of a kind portrait with her and Viola together. The last picture anyone got of them happy, full of love and healthy. The original picture was taken on October 15th, Violas 94th birthday.
So on January 26th, Wilma's, birthday, her granddaughter presented her with a gift of love. A Sisters Bond is forever portrait of the two most amazing women she had ever known.
Honestly, this was the hardest emotionally to create. Knowing just how special Aunt Viola was made it just that more difficult. Tears were shed, memories relived over and over again. Until finally the portrait was done. Placed in its frame and ready for the special day.
This is where I give you.... A Sisters Bond is Forever