Twenty-Six Years

Wendy Croft Prince
1957 - 1983

The first time I met Wendy was in 1977
when she started dating my brother.
The next year, she was part of my family.
Wendy became my sister and my friend.
This picture of Wendy was at my wedding a few years later.
It was not long after this picture was taken,
that Wendy was diagnosed with cancer.
The next 11 months were a roller coaster
and on this day 26 years ago, Wendy died.
Wendy was only 26 years old.

It seems impossible that her whole lifetime --
26 more years have passed away since that day.
Many things have happened since 1983.
Harold went through Dental School
We had 6 children.
All of my siblings have all been married.
Lots and lots of nieces and nephews have been born.
My father passed away.
Four young men from our family have gone on missions.

When I think about Wendy many things come to mind --
Beautiful long hair
Doting mother
Friend and confidant
Double Dating companion
Fun and crazy
Loving and Giving
(to the point she was willing to sacrifice her life
so that her baby might live)
But most of all she was dignified
in the face of overwhelming circumstances.

I feel so blessed that Wendy is a part of my family.
She taught me so much when I was young and immature
even though she was only 2 years older.
Thank you Wendy for all you have done for me
over 2 lifetimes.