Brenda Kay Oliver

Brenda was my older sister Pam´s best friend in high school. She was at our house so much she was like having another sister. I loved her beautiful smile, her gorgeous green eyes and long flowing red hair. Her contagious laugh but most of all I loved the way she made me (a little teeny bopper in 6th grade) feel so important. I loved u so much Brenda and I will always remember you eating my mom´s fried chicken and making my dad laugh so hard! U were such a good sport! I can close my eyes and...

Dearest Brenda,

Today is a day we can hardly bear and though it is not unlike every other day without you, this day in particular is just that much more to bear. Has another year really gone by?

Mingo called this morning from Paris. He too misses you so much.

Just yesterday I so wanted to call you with so many things to say. And today on your 'Birthday' there really are no words.

You're still with us each and every day. In our thoughts and in our hearts.

We...

Dearest Brenda,

It's Easter!
It's your Birthday!
And I'm filled with so many memories shared with you.

As a child pretending to be asleep while Mother quietly placed the Easter Baskets for us to find; I waited for you to wake up and would delight in your surprise at all of the goodies left for us by the 'Easter Bunny'. I never mentioned it was Mother who created this illusion, just went right along 'believing' with you.

And then there were the 'Easter Dresses'....

Hi Brenda,
I wanted to write you a "Thank-You " note for all the nice things that you have given me. I really wanted your beautiful umbrella that you had in your bedroom forever and your family was nice enough to give it to me, it really has so much sentimental value because you always had it while we were living together. I have it in Taylor's old room that I'm still redoing. I bought an asian vase type thing and put it in that and I'm going to get a corner shelf and paint it black and...

TO FATHER -

Who will never cease in achievements and continues upward for the next; who built our family's first house with his own knowledge and skills - the house and home I remember as my very first where life (seemed to) begin for me, in recalling my very first awareness as a human being; who still has the answer to every question, solution to every problem or if in doubt knows the bases to search and find remedies and always compare alternatives to arrive at the best possible...

"FAMILY" IS EVERYTHING

If you have a loving family, you have it all; if you don't, you've missed (you're missing) it all;

Dated 10-5-04 by Brenda K. Olliver

Dear Brenda,
I prefer to think that you're still with us, just taking a long nap in a bright,sunny meadow in the tall grass with lots of birds and butterflies all around. I miss you too much to think I won't be able to talk to you the rest of my life...We both had birthdays, they've come and gone, time is flying fast. I know you'll be there for me when I'm ready to enter your realm as you came to me clearly in a dream. Till then, I have all my beautiful memories of you my dear...I love...

ODE TO MY MOTHER

by

Brenda K. Oliver

Mother Dear, I sadly fear,
so thoughtless I have been.
To think, in light of everything,
I've neglected my best friend.
After all you've done and the love you've given,
my heart must make amends.
You're in my thoughts, a part of me,
and this will never end.

From day one, you brought me up
and in this world about.
Since...

TO MOTHER --- Always Cheerful: Whose never ending cheerfulness throughout my life, whose good nature and zest for life and happiness continually amaze us.

You always found ways to create fun out of some household item or ideas when boredom seemed to prevail. Your open arms/hands still remain endlessly open. Your loving heart continues pacing onward and upward, never missing a beat. The word NO doesn't exist to your children or in your attentative gleaming eyes when a twinkle in...