5/9/08 = 11:11 + 14 years

Well, that's about as logical as Chris Rice's song, "Smell the Color 9", huh? Well, let me see if I can explain.

It all started back in 1961, when Brenda Ann was born to George and Georgia. She was a beautiful baby and the parents were ecstatic to have been given such a wonderful gift from God. Almost three years later, another was born - a little sister to Brenda. George and Georgia were equally ecstatic and felt they truly had a full house!

As most do, that little sister idolized her big sister and tried to do everything she did. Growing up, Brenda was more of the "perfect child", but also more of the dare-devil! (The little sister was a little more laid back, more of an adventurer than a dare-devil.) Brenda won beauty pageants, law-school mock-trials, and the hearts of many.

All along, those two sisters were extremely close. It was just like that song that is sung in "White Christmas"!!

As Brenda grew older, some problems arose in her life. Many people tried to help her, but some of her problems seemed to overwhelm her. On a tragic day, May 9, 1994, my sister, Brenda Ann Karabatsos, left this planet.

As I sit here fourteen years later, some days it feels like it was yesterday and some days it feels like it was an eternity-ago. The funny thing is, somedays, I can still hear her voice echo in my ear. I will always miss you, Brenda.

I wrote a poem and read it at her funeral. I thought I would share it here:

eleven-eleven

There are not enough words to pen my love for that girl wonder,
That's ok, we had a code for it, and that was a number.

You see, it started long ago when were were just kids
and I got a new digital clock,
Over and over again, we'd see the same time on that tick-tock.
Because it was my birthdate, she gave it a special meaning,
When she would tell me that time, she'd always be beaming.

It continued through the years and when she was away at school,
Even though money was tight, she was no fool.
It was one ring and a quick hang-up at that special time,
That said, "I love you, Lisa", yet still saved her dime.

Through the years, simple coincidences would always be shared,
Because it showed just how much we truly cared.

So, if you think of old Bren, just look up to heaven,
"I love you" is said with "eleven-eleven".

All for now,
Lisa