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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: MATCH (08/26/21)
On June 3, 2018, I said goodbye to my baby sister. Mary Jane was just 69 years old when her body gave up its battle with complications of her second cancer in three years.

Mary Jane led a life that I wouldn’t have chosen for her. She drank from an early age and only stopped when she found out the family was planning an intervention. She had friends that were loyal throughout her life, and they knew who they could count on as well.

In late May of 2018, I traveled across the state of Washington to be with my sister who had been cared for by her two daughters. It was time for a shift in caregivers. Mary Jane needed support, more than care, but daily I would fix her breakfast of oatmeal and orange juice. Any other breakfast she would have had to gum it because her first cancer (tongue) had left her without some of her teeth.

Even though she needed some help daily, Mary Jane continued to work as the receptionist for a collection agency. She was determined to have as normal a life as possible. Her bosses went out of their way to accommodate her and were just happy to have her come in when she could. During her first cancer, they paid her for the time she was off work for chemo and radiation treatments.

My sister reminded me so much of our mother. We didn’t have much growing up, but what we did have, mom always made sure we had necessities. Mom was a thrift shopper and to that end, she found bargains like no other. Our mother always looked so together. No matter what day it was, she would put on either a house dress or a pair of slacks and a matching top. She usually wore what I referred to as “genuine” imitation jewelry. That was her signature.

Mary Jane followed in our mother’s footsteps, and I noticed during those last few weeks I spent with her, she was her mother’s daughter. In the evenings when she thought she would be able to go to work the next day, she would bring out her clothes and place them carefully on the sofa. They would entail a pair of slacks, a matching top, and shoes that of course matched the outfit. She would change purses in the evening to match her outfit. One of the funniest things I found during that time with Mary Jane, is that her outfit not only matched from head to toe, but she topped it off with a pair of her numerous reading glasses along with a matching chain that held those glasses and of course, they too matched the outfit.

I suppose I have some traits of both my mother and sister, but Mary Jane went to all lengths to match everything she wore.

After three years without her, I can speak more freely of Mary Jane and her idiosyncrasies with fond memories. Today is the first time I’ve really thought about the way she dressed and was so matchy-matchy. It's in these memories that I find comfort in remembering her and her “matching” ways.
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This article has been read 316 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Jennifer Warren 
09/05/21
Your writing makes it easy to imagine what's happening, especially your sister's style. It also shows the humor even if difficult situations. Although I expect it was hard to write, your and your sister's love is evident. Thank you for sharing your story.
Art Fahy 
09/08/21
I thought you overused the topic word.

The memories of Mary Jane will keep her close to your heart.

I understand after time things begin to free up inside of us and we are capable of speaking and enjoying the wonderful memories of our loved one.

Thank you,
Keep writing!
Bea Edwards 
09/08/21
You wrote a lovely memorial to your sis and mom.

It was easy to imagine the colorful scene.

However it may have served to use a thesaurus to find alternatives for the topic word.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
09/09/21
This is a beautiful tribute to your sister. I can feel your admiration, respect, and grief in the words. For me, it feels like the part about her matching her clothes felt like it was added on to fit the topic. The first part and second part felt like they could be two distinct stories. Perhaps if you had started with the matching and maybe even shared funny stories how it might have made her late or not wear a planned outfit because the coordinating shoe broke, or something similar it would have felt like it fit better. Having said that, I can totally relate because I have a thing about my underwear matching my shirt or pajamas. I will change my clothes if I don't have a pair that goes with my outfit. It's a lovable quirk and I think I'd have enjoyed your sister very much. Your family will treasure this story forever and sometimes you need to write what's on your heart.