Priceless Image

My earliest recollections of my sister, Mary Rose, were walking home from grade school. She was in eighth grade and I in first. I started school a little early, for my age because my Mom had been sick and school officials thought it would be easier on her, if she had one less child to take care of. I guess that is the reason I became close to Mary Rose, she more or less helped raise me. She did so many things for me that my mom was unable to do.
Mary Rose was pretty and she was very smart, I never remember her getting upset when I would ask for homework help. She always knew how to explain things so I could understand. One of my best memories of her, was the summer of 1961. After dinner she would always have to do the dishes. Today, I know that was very unfair to her. Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris were going for Babe Ruth's homerun record, she would start talking baseball with me and before you know it I was helping her, I told you she was smart. That summer we talked quite a bit about baseball and I was surprised that she knew such things. I still see her smile when I close my eyes and think of that time.
Mary Rose married when she was 21. I had mixed emotions, I was happy for her but a little sad for me. I thought maybe I might not get to see her as often, but as our family found out through the years, she was the glue that kept us together. As I got older she was always there to give advice and to lend a helping hand whenever it was needed. When I married, she welcomed my wife into the family and never made her feel otherwise.
Mary Rose died of breast cancer when she was just 56 years old. She didn't live a long life, but I believe she lived a full life. The way she fought the disease was heroic. She struggled valiantly for over ten years. She was an example to all, to try and live life to the fullest. She gave herself unselfishly to her family and friends.
I think of Mary Rose everyday. I miss her very much. She truly was a good person, it is probably why she died so young. God must have had needed her to lend a hand in heaven's kitchen. We all have images of loved ones we have lost.
We picture them a certain way. I close my eyes, and see Mary Rose washing the dishes and her smiling at me as we talk about Mantle and Maris. It is an image that is priceless.