This food blog was originally started for food, fun and silliness, which is what I have always strived to do. I’m not here to bring anyone down or get too serious, because let’s face it, there is enough ickiness in the world that we’re constantly being inundated with that I don’t think it’s necessary.
Just for today though, I am going to break my no-serious stuff rule.
A little over 2 weeks ago my baby sister April passed away very suddenly from pulmonary hypertension that she had only been diagnosed with the day before. She had been unwell for over a month, and even after a million blood tests & scans, the doctors were unable to peg what the culprit was. Even now, all they can guess is that she had a genetic predisposition to it, AKA doctor for, they don’t know why she got it. I think I can say on behalf of my entire family (and a whole lot of friends) that we are all still very much in shock, because just 3 months ago she was completely fine.
Today would have been her 25th birthday.
I guess being the youngest of 6 sets you up to be the most unique, and I would certainly say that about her haha. The epitome of artsy, she could draw, taught herself to sew, to knit, made elaborate costumes to attend Dragon Con in, acted, could play multiple instruments and sing, and was a huge lover of music (a definite trait shared in the family). She loved games (especially Zelda), cosplay, anime and was a fellow Ravenclaw and all around Potterhead. A lover of food too (not that you would know by looking at her) she was a much better baker and cook than myself. The last conversation we had was about what restaurant we were going to take her to for her birthday and what she was planning on ‘stuffing her face with,’ after she was well again.
There was not an animal that she was afraid of, nor were they afraid of her, I mean, who has had multiple hummingbirds land on them, let alone even one in a lifetime? She worked in several veterinary offices over the years and they always called her in to ‘handle’ the especially skittish animals, which basically meant they loved & trusted her immediately.
She was the quintessential fairy child from the time she was born, constantly drawing people to her, and would hands down do just about anything for a laugh, especially since she loved to laugh so much herself. That is definitely a wonderful memory I will always have of her, that big raucous laugh (and big raucous belches I might add) from this teeny tiny girl.
I’ve never been able to stand the phrase ‘that’s not fair’ because there are always people who have been dealt a worse hand than I could ever imagine, so I will avoid ever saying that in regard to her very shortened life here on Earth, because she had almost 25 years of fun, friends, laughter and a whole lot of people who loved her and will miss her for the rest of their lives.
I hope to do her memory justice by fully celebrating her life instead of only mourning her life. Easier said than done, especially at this time, but already I’ve had numerous friends of hers reach out to me to share wonderful memories of her as well as the time that my family and I have spent exchanging hilarious stories of her antics too. Losing a loved one so young and so unexpectedly really sucks (to put it mildly), but knowing April and her penchant for never mincing words would probably tell me to ‘put my big girl panties on’ with one hand on her hip and wagging her finger at me with the other. The odds are also pretty good she would throw in a swear word or two for good measure haha.
So, April, I raise my glass and a piece of Publix cake (one of your favorites) and wish you a very very Happy Birthday little sis, I fully expect you to greet me in Heaven with a sarcastic remark about my late arrival and a puppy in hand.
All of the wonderful photos of April in the snow are courtesy of Lee Workman of Workman Reflections Photography.
If you feel so inclined, please feel free to donate in April Jordan’s name for a place she really loved, Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue.
Julie Albachiaro says
Hollly,
This a beautiful tribute to sweet April. She had many gifts !
I love the pictures- they are all amazing .
I’m thinking of you all today, I know it’s hard.
Yes, I know April will be meeting you in heaven someday with a puppy !
XO,
Julie
Holly says
Thank you so much Julie, Lee did a gorgeous job on the photos, I have expressed to him how much they have meant to all of us. Haha she better meet me with at least 1 puppy π
Norma Vines says
What a wonderful tribute, Holly! Thanks so much for sharing your love and memories. Love, “Aunt” Norma
Holly says
Thank you so much Aunt Norma I really appreciate it, I hoped to do her memory justice.
Laura Vines says
Holly, this is a beautiful tribute to your sister! I had wondered why I was thinking so heavy about you all this morning! Please know my heart is with you all today.
Holly says
Thank you so much Laura π I appreciate it so much.
Sharleen says
Wonderful tribute to that rambunctious beautiful child/woman. Thank you Holly.
Holly says
Thank you Miss Sharleen, I think rambunctious was a good description haha.
Susan Jordan Carroll says
Lee did a great job with the photographs of April. And your tribute to her was so fantastic. Love and healing to our family. β€οΈ
Holly says
Thanks Susie, yes I agree he did a fantastic job on the photos, and yes hoping the healing comes soon.
MOM says
What a sweet big sister you always were. I couldn’t have said it any better . Our hearts are broken but filled with love.
MOM
Holly says
Glad you liked it π
Ashley Ramsden says
I will forever be thankful for the time I had with her. Short as it was, we are all on borrowed time. Her selfless love, ornery smile and gimormous heart will forever be part of my life. April is an unbelievable part of who I am. Thank you all for sharing her. And thank you for this beautiful post.
Holly says
No, thank you Ashley for the kind words, I know how much you meant to her too.
Britt says
Though me and April had a falling out, she always reached out to me, wed catch up and kind of leave it as “until we talk again” but though we werebt super close the last few years She was my best friend and like a sister to me during high school. When I was sad she always helped me up. When I needed straight advice she was the only friend I counted on to be bluntly honest. We shared lots of late nights where we’d stay up talking and cracking jokes. We shared a lot actually, clothes, makeup, music, gossip ECT. I’m sad that we couldn’t make the friendship that whole again, but I was happy to have our catch up conversations and to facebook/Instagram stalk her to see if she was happy. And honestly this last year she seemed super happy and like life was looking up for her. I don’t know what to say, but I’m so sorry for your loss holly. I’m sorry I never got a chance to tell her one last time I was sorry for letting things fall through the way they had, but know that she holds a big space in my heart and I pray for her and you. Also this post was beautiful and it truly captured her spirit and personality. May she rest in peace and know she was so loved.
Holly says
Hi Britt-
thank you so much for sharing how much April meant to you, and all of the fun times that you guys had, even if y’all had not been as close in recent years. Thank you very much for your condolences, she will always be very, very much missed and I’m glad you think this post captured who she was. I don’t think a little blog post could ever truly capture anybody, but I certainly did my best. Thank you again for sharing your memories.
jojo says
Awesome tribute, may you always spend your days like this. Best wishes for your and your sister. And you are looking gorgeous Holly!
Holly says
Thank you so much, that’s very kind of you to say.