Tender Letter From My Second Sister

I found this letter amongst Tara's things when Jeremy & I were staying w/ Michael before Tara's funeral. I wanted to post it on my blog so I would have it to remember always.

My dearest friend, Lisa,

It is 6:45 AM, Sunday morning—the day after you broke your difficult and special news to everyone. I wanted to write you this letter because honest to God I haven’t been able to sleep all night. I’ve been thinking and worrying not about you but for you. I wish I was there right now with you. I know you have Jason, but I know it’s so important to have a friend there at your side.

Lisa, you have always without a doubt been there for me. Literally, you have been through thick and thin with me. I love you so much. You were there for me all night long when I found out about my Grandpa. You stayed the night and let me cry my eyes out on your lap as you stroked my hair. You were there eating burritos from Taco Bell on the playground with me as we vented about our lives and “love lives”. You were there through the trialing times of the many boys—Glen & Fotu & now my sweetie, Michael. You were there when I’ve cried about my family problems and extreme drama. You were there when I needed a place to stay to go back and finish school. You were there when I got married. Do you see where I am going with this? Lisa you have always been my best friend. You have been an anchor, a strength, and the best support and listener I have ever needed through these years. Moreover, you have been the cheerleader backing me up 100%.

I want you to know how very proud I am of you for doing the right thing by getting married. For taking responsibility for your actions is sometimes the hardest thing to do in life. You are so brave, and you are doing the right thing. I know this week has probably been the hardest week of your life. I want you to know that I will ALWAYS be there for you—no matter what. I wish you would have told me sooner. I think wrestling with this news would have been so hard. I love you so much, Lisa.

I do feel somewhat responsible. I wish I would have been a better example for you. I hope I didn’t let you down as a friend. I want you to know you should never ever feel alone or by yourself because you always will be my best friend, my family, and more importantly the only sister I have.

You are without a doubt going to be such a wonderful bride, wife, and the BEST mother a child could ever have (well, next to me, of course!). I have the utmost faith in you. From experience, I can say that the next few years are going to be very hard, but I know you will be able to handle this because you are strong and brave. You are level headed and will help lead your family in the direction y’all need to go.

This news has been a roller coaster for me. I can’t imagine how you must be feeling right now. Well, you’re probably asleep since its 5:30 there. Anyways, I want you to know you don’t ever have to ride this roller coaster alone, ok? I’m on it with you….someone may have to force the damn bar down on my fat self, but “needles to say” I’m there for ya, babe!

I love you, I love you, and I love you! Remember this is your day; this is your life, so make it count….make it happy. And, if you ever need anything, day or night, rain or shine, and all that jazz…I’m always there for you to listen, to laugh, to cry, to love you. You are my dearest friend, my favorite cheerleader, and my sweetest sister. I love you and want you & Jason to be happy together!

With bursting love,

Tara

PS—Remember laughter through tears if my favorite emotion!