Being the youngest of seven children, I have had the pleasure (and sometimes the pain) of hearing anecdotes about my childhood. But, it has also been nice to hear tales about the antics of my older siblings during their childhood as well. One of the most touching of these stories was told to me by Laura when our brother died fifteen years ago.
When Laura was eight and Frank was six, Laura broke her foot. Since she had a very large cast on her leg, it was very difficult for her to walk, much less play and do the things that most eight year old children like to do.
Frank recognized this and came up with a very creative solution. He found a stroller our parents had. What was surprising to me at this point in the story was, not that there was a stroller, but that there wasn't some little kid in it at the time! Frank told her to "hop in" and he proceeded to take her anywhere she wanted to go--throughout the neighborhood, to the playground, and to her friends' houses. He did this until her cast was removed because he wanted to make her life easier the best way he knew how.
Well, Laura, Frank's waiting for you in Heaven, but he doesn't have a stroller because you don't need one anymore. This time, he'll be by your side when you walk, run, dance and sing.
Please remember, though, Laura, that the people you've left behind on earth love you dearly and we will miss you very much! But more importantly, we will NEVER, EVER FORGET your RADIANCE, your BEAUTY, your KINDNESS, your STRENGTH, your COURAGE, your WISDOM, and your INTELLECT.