T’was the month before Christmas
Rumors aswirl
Whispers in hallways
Is it a boy or a girl?
Overshadowed by an assassin
By days numbered four
Her arrival the last
In her family’s small corps
First steps, first teeth, first words
Re-runs at best
Last to arrive
Last to leave the nest
A half century later
Pandemic at hand
She grips a large food basket
Makes a trip carefully planned
Three knocks on the door
Two nonagenarians cautiously arrive
One dog in hand
The other proclaims she’s still alive
No words are exchanged
Just smiles and tears
You may be our last
But you allay all our fears
Although fourth in line
And seemingly outdone
You remain in our hearts
Family corps number one
THE LAST CHILD - SYNOPSIS
There are many unsung heroes in life but none more deserving than my youngest sister. Her entry into the world four days after JFK was assassinated set the stage for her life to be overshadowed as the last entry to our family. Nonetheless, she soldiered through childhood without fanfare or complaint. Her compassion, conviction, and selflessness quietly came to light during the pandemic as she cared for our two ninety year old parents living independently but somewhat isolated in rural Canada.
It was the pause that came with this world event that allowed me time for thoughtful reflection. My sister’s disposition was not pandemic induced. This is who she was from the get-go. Indeed, the best was saved for the last!
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