On Friday, 10 May 1963, a baby girl was born to John Wallace and Frances Mae Harmon Brown. The parents named her Sharon Christine Brown. She would be their third child. At the time of her birth I was only four years of age. 

From the very beginning there appeared to be a very special bond between Sharon and I. As children we spent many hours playing together. And then the time came when I decided to join the military, and in March 1981 I left home having to say good-bye for a time. Even though the miles separated us physically, we still managed to stay in touch with one another. Before the days of the internet we communicated via letters and the occasional telephone calls home. As the years passed by and the internet became popular, we emailed one another on a regular basis. No matter where I was in the world Sharon would always find a way to stay in contact with me. She even had clocks set at home to the time zone that I might have been in.

Throughout the years we have shared many hours of creating special memories as we shared our hopes, our fears, and our dreams. She has always been there for me and I have always been there for her.

On Monday, 12 April 2010, Sharon was hospitalized after suffering major complications from a "routine" procedure that she was having done. Since then she has been in numerous hospitals and is now in a skilled nursing home, unable to communicate with her family, loved ones, and friends. A year has now come and gone. What follows is a letter that I recently wrote expressing my love for her - she who is not only my sister, but a true and dear friend.

Sharon, 

No brother could be more blessed than I. What have I ever done to deserve a sister as loving and as caring as you? God has truly smiled on me by bringing you into my life. From the very beginning there has always been a special bond between us - a bond that neither distance, time, or circumstances in life has ever been able to sever. 

You are the wind beneath my wings. When I am down you lift me up, always the one to turn my frowns into smiles, my tears into laughter, and my sorrows into joy. Whenever I feel that I cannot go on, you are always there encouraging me not to quit, but to push on and go just a little further. In times of distress, you are a welcomed comfort, turning my fears into bright hopes. Whenever I lose confidence in myself, you are always there ensuring me that you believe in me, and helping me to believe in myself. As long as I know that you are there cheering me on, I know that I can make it. 

Through the years we have had our differences, but I thank God that we have never allowed those differences to come between us. By the end of the day we always manage to settle our differences and move on. Neither of us know what it is to hold a grudge, but we do know how to forgive one another for any trespasses that either of us may have committed. 

You are my heart's song. I cannot imagine what my life would be like without you in it. You are truly a special daughter of our Heavenly Father, and you mean the world to me. While there are many brothers and sisters who literally despise one another, I can honestly say that one of the greatest blessing in my life is having you as my sister. 

One year ago, on Monday, 12 April 2010, you were overtaken by an illness that has left you helpless and laying silent. How I miss our telephone conversations and the sound of your voice. How I miss the fun times that we spent together. How I miss your laughter and your smile. I do not know nor fully understand why this has happened to you, but God knows. You have always been there for me, and I pray that somehow you know that I am here for you now in your hour of need. Sometimes I wish that there were more that I could do to help you, but perhaps just being there, loving you, and praying for you is all that is needed. Only the Lord knows the final outcome of all of this. All I can do is watch and pray and take life one day at a time.

I am indeed honored to say that not only are you my sister, but you have always been, and continue to be, a true and dear friend. I love you very much.

Your brother,

Keith