Love......

This is a true story.....

L-O-V-E....The most frequently used word in the English language. 
I wonder why it is used so often when there is so little of it in the world.
Maybe, someday, like me, you will learn the real meaning of the word. 
I suppose the whole story began the day my sister was born. From the moment
she was carried into the house, my life was one big contest. You see I was
five when she was born and had always been the center of attention. Everyone
spoiled me with toys and candy, it was always, 'How's my little Leslie? I have
a big surprise for you...." So you see for someone to come and steal my 
spotlight was a terrible blow. Yes, the second she entered the house I was 
thrown aside, while she was smothered with 'oohs and ahhs' It was understandable
she was an adorable baby. I remember once I was rocking her to sleep in her 
cradle. I gave her one shove and she came tumbling out. She wasn't hurt, but,
I got punished.
As Julie grew up matters got worse. She had a habit of following me around 
everywhere I went. It was always, "Leslie can I come with you?" All her little
hints of love and affection only made me hate her worse. 
I tried to tell my mom how I felt, I guess my wondering was wrong..."Mom, I 
hate Julie..." But, before I could finish my sentence I got slapped and an 
angry answer, "Well, Leslie! How dare you say such a thing about your sister 
who loves you soo much! Go to your room!!!" 
Well, that's how things were in the household. That is until sixteen weeks 
ago. It was a Saturday, and I was bored to death and awfully cranky. 
My homework wasn't finished, But, I was in no mood to do it. After lunch, my
mom asked me to mail a letter. The mailbox was two blocks away and I had 
nothing better to do so I agreed. I was about to leave when Julie, as usual,
asked if she could come with, I was too tired to argue, so I said okay. As
we began walking, I started to feel better. The air was cold and the wind 
slapped my face, and really woke me up. Before I knew it, we were almost there.
Julie, who was bored to death because I hadn't spoken a word to her, suddenly
grabbed the letter and said, "Race you to the mail box!" She darted out into
the street and never made it across. It all happened so fast that I didn't
have a chance to yell out. A car suddenly whirled around the corner headed
right at Julie. I opened my mouth, but, nothing came out. The next thing I 
knew she was on the ground. Everything after that was a bloody nightmare. I
guess the man who hit her called an ambulence, I just stood there with my 
mouth open wanting to scream. I suppose most people would have gone hystaricle
and cried, but, I didn't feel anything: empty, that's all. Finally they took
her to the hospitol. After what seemed like a century the doctor came out. 
One look at his face and I knew. My parents rose as he came over to us. They
probably knew but, there was still a glimmer of hope in their eyes. 
"I'm sorry." he said looking down at his hands, "I don't think she'll 
make it, she's got a one in a million chance." Then I felt that thing called
love, if came as a rush from deep down, after being there for all those years
it's hard to believe, huh? I had loved my sister for ten years and didn't 
even know it. Then I asked to see her. Of couse they said no at first. but 
after a while, I was allowed a short visit. I tip-toed in her room hoping she
wasn't asleep. She wasn't. She was lying there looking at the ceiling, when she
heard me come in she turned her head and smiled weakly. Oh, she was so pale!
"hi Julie" "hi" she said as I sat down beside her and held her hand tightly.
"Leslie?" "Yea" I replied. "Can I ask you something?" "sure," I said.
"Why did you come to see me?" With tears streaming down my face I answered,
"Because I love you Julie" For the first time in her life, Julie looked 
happy. "I love you to  Leslie"
With a smile on her face she closed her eyes and died.
LOVE~you never know what you have until you lose it.





Email:  sgotschall@usa.net