Photos with my dead sister, Katie - Rosh Hashanah

Today is the first holiday without Katie. Katie loved being Jewish - definitely more cultural and spiritual rather than religious. We would celebrate together when we lived in the same city and when I moved we would talk about our plans. I always wondered if she would go to synagogue- sometimes she would and other times wouldn’t. She would tell me her plans instead. It worked for Katie so it worked for me. Sometimes, though, I did wish she would come to synagogue with me and my mom. Katie knew that too. I got to shul today and broke down crying - I can’t believe this is going to be a new year without her, though it’s been six months - this is the Jewish New Year so it feels like a new year all over again. I bought this ring just after Katie died as a way for her to always be with me. I rub my fingers over her name which calms me down. I am grateful for very understanding people in my life who seem to get it. To those who celebrate - wishing you a Shana Tova - a year of peace prosperity, good health, and praying that Katie is peacefully and happy in Heaven.