Through the nearly nine years that I’ve been blogging, I’ve shared several posts about my late sister, Rose.
Rose was tragically murdered by her estranged husband on April 15, 1969. 50 years ago today. I was 16; she was two weeks shy of her 31st birthday.
One of the more interesting posts, in my opinion, was this one regarding her birthstone ring that she had loaned me, and what I discovered the evening of her murder.
I wrote this post last year on what would have been her eightieth birthday.
Several years ago, I shared this sad incident that happened just a couple of days after Rose’s murder:
Our mother’s birthday was April 17. Understandably, in 1969, her birthday was non-existent. Except when the mail was delivered that day, and there was a birthday card to her from Rose. It was postmarked April 15. Mom taught everyone a lesson in strength during that time.
For a long time following Rose’s murder, I kept thinking that it was a bad dream, and I would wake up. Perhaps that’s the Lord’s way of helping us deal with sudden grief. In time, of course, I stopped having those thoughts.
And, as the old saying goes, time does help ease the pain. Getting through April 15 isn’t nearly as difficult as it once was.
50 years.
~These Days Of Mine~
these days of mine 
I know she will be on your mind and the mind of all who knew her today especially……..the birthstone ring story is the kind of story that gives us goosebumps as the “coincidence” of the one stone missing THEN is rather overwhelming. I wouldn’t have replaced it either……it was gone for a reason. Hope today is full of HAPPY memories of Rose.
Hugs, Pam
She will never be forgotten but what a sad and tragic day for your family. I can not even imagine. The birthstone ring story ….just another reminder I guess. Sending lots of hugs and love your way on this day when you hold her even closer in your hearts.
How very sad. I lost a brother 43 years ago due to an industrial accident so I can empathize. I know your love for her is still strong and always will be. xo
In all the years I’ve been reading your blog, I, of course, knew about your sister Rose. But somehow, I must have missed your post about her ring. As a sign, it must have given you a sense of peace that even though she was missing from your family, she was safe in the arms of the Lord.
I’m thankful for the sweet memories you have.
A really moving recollection. I’m glad you can get through the anniversary with plenty of bittersweet memories, but the coincidence of the missing stone seems meant to be.
❤️
I went back and re-read the story. It is still so haunting and such a tragic loss.
Of all the years I have known you I never knew how Rose died. So tragic, and maybe you told me or I never put it together. I know the grief has lessened but still there. Hold those good memories
“A lesson in strength”.. So true.. & very well written ..
What a beautiful tribute and memory. Amazing ring… wow.
What a beautiful tribute and memory, and an amazing ring – wow.
I agree with Marshall “A lesson in strength”. The Lord puts us thought things to show we can get though with his guidance. Again you have written a beautiful memorial to Rose and I know she is smiling down with your sweet family in Heaven together. Thinking of you today, my friend with love.
That is very sad. This must be a very hard time for you. Did Rose have kids?
Thank you, Charles. Yes, it was a difficult time for our family. Rose had two children: a boy who was 9, and a daughter 11. They were in the room when she was killed. Her son committed suicide last summer; her daughter has been married and divorced twice. They were both scarred, as you can well imagine.
So tragic.