Today would have been her 65th birthday. Would have been. My little sister left this world 12 years ago.

Next to Charlotte, D’Lynne was my best friend. It wasn’t always that way. As teens we fought constantly (my fault, not hers). But in adulthood things changed.

That’s why I wrote a newspaper piece honoring her. Didn’t realize at the time that in four years she would be gone, that the words I shared then would be my last, best chance to tell her how much she meant to me.

Today in class, along with some less dramatic and more fun articles, I shared the tribute to D’Lynne. Because I realized that, like me, some of my students have people in their lives who need to read similar words coming from them.

And past experience tells me many will do just that. Their essays will honor a grandparent, parent, sibling, teacher or friend.

And in so doing, my students will discover the power of written words to touch readers deeply. And, some day, they will see that written words have staying power. They can honor those who are now celebrating their birthdays in heaven.

Happy birthday, Sis.