Julie

                  Aunt Audrey’s and Uncle Ron’s prayers were answered when they adopted a two-year-old girl. Julie arrived on their doorstep, wearing a red one-piece swimsuit and clutching her beloved stuffed animal. They thought about changing her name. Eric, their six-year-old son, asked, “How would you like having your name changed? Don’t change a thing about her.”

            Julie grew up to have three children of her own with Tom, her husband. Frank, my stepfather, and Frannie, my mother, treated her as if she were their own child. Truly, she is like a sister to me. She had the biggest crush on Ross, my brother. She used to ask my mother, “Aunt Frannie, is it okay if I like Ross? We’re not blood related, so it’s fine, right?”

            When Julie was 15, she flew to the Hawaiian Islands to visit for a week. I was working toward my degree in fashion merchandising at the University of Hawaii. Shari, my roommate, and I had several gorgeous male Brazilian friends, whom Julie met. These fellows were at our high-rise apartment nearly every night, either making Brazilian spaghetti for all of us or enjoying a meal prepared by Shari, a fabulous chef.

            The week with Julie flew by like the wind. Desperate to have her stay longer, I placed a telephone call to Aunt Audrey, asking whether it was okay. She said yes and Julie’s trip was extended! The parties, concerts, dinners, beach time and fun went on another four weeks. All of us had the time of our lives; we wished it would never end.

            As Julie grew up, she learned there are times when life seems too hard. We might wonder if it’s all worth the struggle. I’ve learned it’s always worth it and when the chips are down, someone is just a phone call away. Julie and I call each other still when we need a sympathetic ear. In fact, we just hung up after a conversation. We will always find comfort in each other’s voices and wish each other the very best life has to offer. Here’s to Julie, my sisterly cousin, who was brought to us 40 years ago, just in the nick of time.

           

You came to us; you were nearly two

straight from heaven with eyes so blue

In your arms you held so tight

Mogey Bear, with all your might

Who knew you had a tiny, red

one-piece swimsuit and plans ahead?

Your name is Julie Karen indeed,

“Don’t change her name!” your brother did plead

It was late in the summer of ‘69

your foster parents said, “She’s yours, not mine”

We knew this all along, you see

you planted the wish, you knew you’d be

The one to come to Parker Avenue

to share the love, your heart anew

You grew into a loving mother

who wouldn’t trade your life for another

Your three children know of your past

united again, at long last

They’ve waited many lives, it seems

to fulfill so many unfilled dreams

To be held closely in your arms

cradled so safely from life’s harms

Audrey, your mother, is close at hand

to comfort you when life’s not grand

Ron, your father, waits by the TV

for you to watch football you see

You, his daughter, are the only one

who knows exactly what play’s been done

Together, you cheer for your mighty team

together, you share a common theme

Of one day sitting together again

on the sofa or bench chair; in the den

It doesn’t matter when, how, or where

as long as you touch first fingers and share

This road of life you’ve always known

with Eric, Mom and Daddyo you’ve shown

It’s all about love in the grand scheme of life

You’ve felt deep pain, you’ve seen such strife

You’re waiting for the day you rest

You’ve had far too many a test

Uncle Frank calls you Julie Poops

from up above, Aunt Frannie snoops

To check on you where angels tread

as the tapestry of your life is thread

Don’t give up, my sisterly cousin

we’ve had many lives, more than a dozen

You’ll be home soon enough

it’s not your time, although life’s rough

Pick up the phone when you need to hear

my voice for you, I am still near

This day of your birth, you will turn 40

I hope you believe you are still sporty

And funny and thoughtful and full of grace

you have the gentlest, kindest face

Look in the mirror, you’ll see I’m right

stop the running; please stop the fight

We’re all right here, waiting for you

to feel the wealth of warmth so true

Light a candle for your cake and blink

and in a moment you will think

You’ve been surrounded with our strong arms

it’s us, you see, your lucky charms

With those who watch you from the sky

including Ross, twinkling his eye

For he knows just what you’ve seen

felt, done and where you’ve been

He’s standing by, as he does for me

my cousin, Julie, you’ll always be.