A Sister's Life Changing Experience Of Faith And Hope Part Twenty Two

The funeral is over, and friends said goodbye, and only the family was left to have a private burial together, not too far from church so that we could have our time to grieve and mourn the loss of a cousin, sister, niece, and daughter. The casket was lowered into the ground as we silently prayed with the pastor who gave us peace to remember that this isn't a forever goodbye, but a see you till God calls all of us home. The burial was over and we all went back to the house and ate some lunch and told memories till it was time to go to bed. The next morning, while everyone slept, I got up and got ready for school. I knew it was going to be hard the first day but it was what my sister would have wanted me to do. I go to school and I finish all of my classes. I finally go to the practice and I cheer with a smile on my face and I do the routine with grace. I know my sister watching down on me from Heaven, would be telling me, even when we're sad just remember God always has a plan. I finish the routine and I know the girls are sad, but I assure them of what my sister would have said, and then that made them glad. They gave me a hug, they wiped the tears from their eyes, and reminded me that it's okay to cry sometimes. They left the gym as they knew it was time to go home. The coach stopped me for a moment, and said I know it's been tough, but just know that you are doing a wonderful thing and that you're making a difference. A difference where you have to have faith to be strong and courageous, and have hope and know that God is going to help you through this time. I tell her thank you as I start to cry a little, and just as I do I know she is hugging me, while saying no matter the struggle, no matter the pain, God is taking care of you and your family and that is something that is never going away. I felt better and wiped my tears away, and I told her thank you and she said your welcome. I arrive home, and just as I do my cousins are thrilled because they said we have something for you. They told me to sit on the couch and to close my eyes, because this was a special surprise. So I told them okay, as I awaited with glee, as I'm wondering in my head, what it is my cousins could have gotten me. They told me to open my eyes and when I did, I saw a beautiful photo and scripture quilt that my aunt and uncle and the cousins had made with loving care. I knew that the scriptures on the quilt were my sister's favorites, and the photos were everything family photo that was taken, including some special photos of Blake, my sister, and I. I thank them all, because this gift is special and it came from people I love and care about most, and that is something I'll treasure most. I treasure it forever and always, because my sister was special, and she is always in our hearts.