My sisters Cheryl and Donna were a blessing to so many. In their 18 years and 52 years here on earth, they lived a life far better than most. There was a quiet power in their giving and sharing of themselves.

I am learning in my latter years that it is in the act of giving love that we receive love. Jesus gave and gave and gave, from his birth to the grave and He is still changing lives. My two sisters gave like that, completely from their hearts.

This year I will be 60, and looking back over my life I realize that many of my lessons of total unselfish giving and true love of others came from my sisters examples. These two special women walked the walk, and on their short journey here left a legacy of love. From giving paychecks to the poor, creating weddings for those in need, taking care of babies and children to showing up whenever anyone called for any reason. They were present in your moment and I adored that and my heart longs for just one more moment with them.

Honestly they just had this special gift of making you feel like a priceless treasure. I was of value to these beautiful women, and I know so many others, young and old felt it too. They changed my life and left a legacy of love that will continue to have a generational ripple effect long after all of us are gone.

They taught me what it means to truly love your neighbor as yourself. It is not the length of our years that make change, it is the LOVE in our years that creates the change in hearts that the world truly needs.

BE the change you want to see and give of yourself in honor of your loved ones.

Cheryl Elizabeth Drake

Donna Jean Drake Tidwell