Debra Hendricks

Nedra's Memories

Debra always used to tell me her twin that she was the older one by three minutes. Just 5 years ago, I found out that Debra was actually 4 minutes not 3 minutes older than me. That still made Debra the bigger, older one and me the baby of the family. Since we were born, we were known as the twins, Debra/ Nedra.
Starting with our kindergarten days, most teachers were always confused about which twin we were. We were asked " Are you Debra or Nedra?" all the time. We were also always asked "Are you the good twin or the bad twin?" Debra would always answer the GOOD one.
We dressed the same until we reached high school. Many times as we got together at gatherings, we tried to wear the same outfit. Our appearance was so similar that friends of Debra that happened to run into me in Safford at the store would call Debra and ask her why she wasn't friendly, not knowing that they had run into me instead. I didn't even know who they were.
Daddy even from the moment we were born he could not tell us apart until we were much older, in our sixties. He must have figured out a trick by then to tell us apart after all those years. Momma could always tell us apart. Other people THOUGHT they could.
The first time Dave saw the both of us together he had a hard time telling us apart. She was in the other room changing and he thought I was her at first. But quickly, the twins husbands found ways to tell us apart. Kids and grandkids, nieces and nephews sometimes could tell the difference. Mistakes were often made and made us laugh.
Debra had a great heart for everyone she always met, her smile and laughter brought joy to all who knew her. She enjoyed making things to show her love of others through her talent. Later, both Dave and Debra enjoyed time visiting Hobby Lobby together.
Their home was happy and warm. She was proud of her kids and grandkids and loved all of them fiercely. She would always tell everyone who came to visit how her babies and grandbabies were doing. Dave and Debra's home is filled with family photos, blankets and items with family members photos and names.
I will always remember her sitting on her porch . I know she took so much time in their yard. It always looked beautiful. When she needed to rest, she would take breaks to visit with neighbors and friends.
She was a warrior and her cancer battle was greater than you or I could ever imagine. Her angels are surrounding her with rays of sunshine and love. She truly left beauty from within wherever she shared with others. She was someone that would tell it like it is, whether you wanted to hear it or not!! She was loving, kind, and generous.
I already miss her and I still get the urge to give her a call. I think about her every day, remembering happy moments. Though I miss her deeply, I am grateful in knowing that her suffering is over and she is in Heaven with our Daddy and Heavenly Father both. But she will always be right there in my heart too for all time.