My first recollection is of Mom carrying you into the house as a newborn. You were such a tiny thing-later I found you had a cry well out of proportion to your size! At ages 3-5 you would pester me for horse rides around the parlor, I would be on my hands and knees, and you loved the "bucking bronco" ending, only when you didn't hit your head on the floor when you fell off my back. As a just turned teenager, you developed a strong passion for music. You would take the family record player into your room and play my skimpy record collection. Your favorite was Roy Orbison, and you literally wore out my album. In your late teens you asked me to teach you how to drive-therefore I do take some responsibility for your ongoing driving habits. I took you to Watervliet High parking lot and you did very well. Then I insisted you drive home. You were perfect, but didn't seem to ever recover from the shock of the achievement. I very much regret not being there for you during your dark, stressful, lonely times and single parenting. I was away three years in the Army, but when I returned and before heading off to Australia, we reconnected happily several times. You met a very good man in Jim and a solid home life began with a lovely daughter to follow. You seemed to be become an organizer of family dinners and gatherings, especially at Christmas and Easter. And you always insisted I stay with you during my visits. You catered to my tummy with your cooking of Mom's special dishes! Grandchildren started to appear and you extended unreservedly your maternal love and devotion. And then an outstanding man named Joe came into your life, and he adored you for who you are, and I know you adored him. You must have, you went to Tennessee! Joe became a real grandfather to the little ones. You've led a very full life, joy, pain, extreme emotions, love, children, grandchildren, and you consistently stayed true to your basic belief in the importance of family. I was so fortunate to stay with you and Joe during my recent visit. We had some wonderful chats. I will dearly miss you younger sister. The loving memories I have of you will always be with me. Love eternal, Brother Bob