A Follow Up to "Let's Get Drunk." My Sister's Guest Post

Last week I shared how God gave me the opportunity to extend hope and love to a stranger named Katie in a post called "Let's Get Drunk." In response, my sister, Tina, shared this story.  May you be as blessed and encouraged as I was.

Cindy and Tina

After our sister Cindy died, I continued to text her as I usually did, just to tell her what I was thinking or feeling. I knew her phone was disconnected, but even though my texts went into cyber space, all was good, because I felt I was, in a way, still talking with her.

Late one night, which was when we usually texted or talked, I sent a text to her number. To my surprise, I immediately received a text back. I couldn't believe my eyes when her name flashed across the screen!

I caught my breath and tried to read the message through the tears in my eyes. For years, no matter when I texted Cindy, she would always text right back. I thought for sure I was finally waking up from the horrible nightmare that had taken place over the past three months.

Maybe Cindy hadn't died, and she was answering back with her usual "Tina, it is after midnight, time to play name that tune!" We would forever be asking each other "What is the name of . . . you know the song that goes like this. . . "

But it wasn't.

It was someone else telling me, "You have the wrong number."

After apologizing for texting so late, I explained what had happened and told the other person, "So sorry, it will not happen again."

I got a unexpected response.

"Sorry for your loss. Blessings to you and yours. All things happen for a reason. Maybe ur sister reached out through me. Have a good night!"

Cindy holding her baby sister, Tina

This person could have just said, "Oops, sorry, wrong number," and that would have been the end of it. Instead they took a moment to respond to my pain. Because of this stranger's kindness, I felt that Cindy would always be there for me whenever I needed her, and that, somehow, she would always know just when I needed her.

I locked the message into my phone that night and still, almost four years after my sister's death, when I need to know she's there, I read the message.

You never know what your actions could mean to someone. The smallest thing could make a huge difference.

I just thought I would share what taking a moment to care can do.

Cindy, Tina, and Lori--sisters forever

If you enjoyed this post, would you leave a comment below to thank Tina for sharing her story? And if you missed the original post, you can read "Let's Get Drunk" here.

If you'd like to read more about our journey through the loss of our sister, you can read about it here:

Have I Told You Lately that I Love You?

Is There an Empty Chair at Your Table?

Upcoming Speaking Event

Riverbend Community Church, 1015 Corley Mill Rd. in Lexington, SC has invited me to share "Are You a Worry Wart or a Warrior Woman?" at their Spring Luncheon on Saturday, May 3, from 12-2.

The event is open to the public, but you must register by April 25. There's a $5 charge. If you're in the area and could use some transparent and timely encouragement, I'd love for you to join us. For more information and to register, visit www.riverbendchurch.org.

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