'Til My Last Breath

Dedicated to my sister, La Leighta S. Harriet

December 24, 2019

My sister and I have been close for most of our lives. Maybe it's because we get each other; maybe it's because we are so close in age. Whatever the reason, we have always felt like fraternal twins. (For all you comic book nerds, we often refer to ourselves as the Wonder Twins.)

 

My sister refers to me as her little big brother. Of all of my three siblings, I am the youngest. Yet, I have never let my sibling ordinal ranking stop me from stepping up for my siblings...especially La Leighta S. Harriet. From an early age, I saw sibling love through my mom's brothers. Through thick and thin, I witnessed my uncles have the back of my mother. I always figure it would be a good idea to do the same.

 

Future Harriets and Hurd 3rd Crew

So, since I was about 13, I have had the privilege of having her back, being her tag team partner, and listener. We sang together, danced together and even got into trouble together (most of the time). Thankfully, our relationship has not been one-sided. And then adulthood hits, but somehow, we don't miss a beat. I've never missed a graduation. In challenging emotional times, I try to always be just a phone call away. And if I can, I'll do what I can to travel the world to be by her side.

 

Wonder Twins before
she says, "I do!"

In the last 7 years we both have experienced a lot...most of the experiences were more good than bad. As much of a social butterfly that she is, she taps my shoulder to help with life-changing events. Whether it is being a shoulder to cry on, helping pick her next automobile, or even walking her down the wedding aisle, she believes in me to not fail her. I do not take that honor lightly.

Most recently the honor to not fail her became a family affair. The Hurd 3rd Crew (my wife, my children, and I) were all-hands-on-deck to help with the final part of her pregnancy. I will not tell her birthing story, because it is NOT mine to tell. I will say I am honored that my family could help her husband and her as they endured the journey.

Just an uncle meeting his
new nephew

And now that she is a mommy my role has gotten an additional title: uncle. I wear it proudly. I do not know what the future holds for us. I do know our bond is stronger than ever; it is evolving. It involves serving my sister, her husband, and her son. And while it is evolving, I know I will be there, to serve, until my last breath!

 

-       Elgrie J.