September 27 marks the day, my sister ascended to Heaven. I post this entry in her honor. It isn't to remind us of the loss, but to celebrate her life. I am looking forward to seeing her again. Tina Diane Helms could capture anyone's heart. Anyone that knew her, would agree. She just had that way.
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one, who believes in me, even if he dies, will live. ( John 11:25-26 HCSB)
Her blond streaked hair met the middle of her back. Her generous spirit fit perfectly with her petite body. The band of freckles she wore across the bridge of her nose only complimented her speckled green eyes. Her grin could capture anyone’s heart. Her wisdom far surpassed her youthful age of twelve. Nothing compared to the courage I witnessed her display as she endured the intrusive needles and treatments that seemed to exhaust her body. Even on her worst day, she exhibited a gutsy attitude. This would often radiate, when she stood up for her friends, her family, and her beliefs. Her heart, compassionate and tender had a way of protecting and loving anyone she met. She had no difficulty putting up a fight, even through her battle with cancer. Jesus never left her, even through her most feared moments. His embrace assured her through so many uncertainties such as loosing her hair from the chemo, or as the medications pumped through her veins. Even though the harsh treatments were necessary to kill the cancer cells, it often left her with invasive side effects. Through it all, she never lost her playful energy or enthusiasm for life.
On this date, my sister went to heaven. The years have come and gone, although her presence forever stays with me. Her days spent on earth are nothing compared to her eternal life. Her earthly life was just the beginning. Heaven began her birth of her eternal existence.
Every since that day, when my birth sister went to Heaven, God sent others to be part of my life. I refer to them as family. They are friends that I call Sisters in Christ. A profound presence of God shines deeply through each heart, reminding me that we don’t need the same DNA running through our veins to be related. Each present a different style and gift that I accept with gratitude. One of my Sisters told me once that when we get to Heaven we would all be reunited as one family, not as separate families as we have been on earth. She used the term, ‘Sparkling Fireflies.’ commonly known as lightening bugs. Tiny, yet bright lights buzz around our Lord; His family. My sister is already there, her spirit buzzing freely. Her light shall never grow dim, but shall reflect the most vibrant, brightest light for eternity.
