By VSN Sushma
All names have been changed for privacy reasons
“Why are you still here? You scared, muffin? Fear will not take you anywhere! If you get your seat out of that chair, you’ll at least go somewhere.”
These are my sister's words. They are still ringing in my ears while I stand on this podium.
Good morning. My name is Julian, and I am here to celebrate the legacy that my sister, Rebecca, left behind.
As soon as I finished writing the perfect eulogy for my sister, my emotions got the better of me. My legs were numb, my larynx refused to work, and it felt like I had no strength to move. Just five minutes ago, I was almost going to bolt for my car and quietly disappear.
I didn’t want to attend this gathering. I still cannot come to terms with the reality that she is no more amongst us. To be precise, I am scared to face the world without her hand on my shoulders. That’s when I remembered what she told me when I was scared to pitch my idea for the group project in eleventh grade.
"Fear will take you nowhere."
So, I chose love.
And this eulogy is about the unconditional love and affection I have for my elder sister.
Rebecca was a force to be reckoned with. And who would know that better than me? She had a strong voice, an aura that you cannot ignore.
I used to assume that my parents preferred her to me. But that’s only because they knew she was the sensible, practical, and mature one. While I dwelled in my own fantasies, she would calculate the risks of life.
That doesn’t make her a boring person. No, please don’t get that idea. She could be the light of the party and still act like a responsible person! She could make you laugh by adding that tinge of sarcasm. She could make you forget your worries and smile like there is no tomorrow.
That girl knew her way to people’s hearts. My children loved Aunt Rebecca because ‘She gives us more chocolates than Mommy’. And I cannot disagree with that. Rebecca had a sweet tooth, and she could survive on candies and chocolates for weeks!
I used to get her handed-down books, and school accessories. I always tried to reason with my mother that this is simply not done! I don’t want anything to do with Rebecca or her stuff! But now, I’d do anything to have her back with me.
She was a bright student with straight A’s. Her teachers loved her and so did the boys all around the school. She’d come back home with roses and greeting cards on Valentine’s Day, while I sat like a pumpkin on the couch watching cartoons on TV.
“Boys are boring” She used to say.
“I am sure they can’t be as boring as me” I’d say sarcastically and she’d smirk, “Try washing your face and going out occasionally, Julian. Believe me, girls will fall at your feet!”
That was the confidence she had in me. Something I personally lacked but she never gave up on me. For her, I was Chris Hemsworth, even if I am Chris Rock in reality.
Rebecca grew up to be a very sensitive and understanding woman. When she told us that she wanted to be a teacher, we were surprised. This was the girl who preferred the last benches, bunked classes, and left for weekend parties. But how can I forget that she was the one with straight A’s too? Rebecca got the best of both worlds, only because she worked hard for it. She made life happen!
Her students adored her! She shaped the minds of several young ones and they still remember her as the ‘cool teacher’ who used to play basketball with them after school. This is something not many of you would know - Rebecca loved basketball. She always liked to play basketball with the kids in our street. She enjoyed spending time with them. My son, Gregory, learned basketball from his aunt. And today, he is playing in the college team, winning medals and accolades.
As soon as she was successful with her career, she focussed on her personal life.
I never thought she’d get married. I was shocked when she brought Liam home and told Dad that she’d either marry him or not marry anyone at all! My dad laughed so hard, that I thought he’d fall off the chair. We were all assuming that she would never tie the knot and having her bring a guy home was a bonus for my parents.
Today, she has two beautiful girls from her marriage. One of them is expecting a young one soon! I wish my sister was here to see the little one, hear that first cry and give her blessings. She always wanted to play around with her grandchildren, build them tree houses and bake cookies with extra choco chips. Unfortunately, she is gone too soon.
I promise you, Rebecca. I will build that treehouse, make those cookies, take the tiny tots for an evening walk and stay by their side till my last breath. You have given me relationships that I will forever cherish. And I will live up to your expectations.
This is a painful time for the family, but we will never lose hope. We know my sister is watching over us and we will never disappoint her.
Thank you so much for being here. Your compassion gives us a lot of strength. I am sure Rebecca is in a peaceful realm, where she is laying the foundation for a new legacy! For this woman will never rest without making her presence known.
I love you, Rebecca. Forever and more. Wherever you are, stay blessed and happy. Amen.
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