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My Sister
Today is April 26th and it marks the anniversary of the first time I ever ran away. Well, actually, I didn't really get too far ... I was seven and I had just received word from the hospital (by way of my babysitter Brenda) that my mother had given birth to a baby girl, my sister Darlene Joy. I had already decided that I "didn't want no sister." So, to punish my mom, I ran away! I ran as far as two houses down Johnson Avenue, into their back yard, and hid behind their garage. Not the same as running away to New York City, but, for a seven-year-old, it would have to do. Some time later, I emerged, resigned to the fact that I would have to go through the rest of my life with a little sister.
Once my mom and sister came home from the hospital I decided she wasn't really that bad, and, since I already had a little brother, a little sister would kind of even things out. As she grew up she probably discovered early on that life wouldn't be easy with two big brothers, especially guys who would eventually become known as "Foxy and Goose."
Oh, the tricks we used to play on this girl. Seems like my little brother and I were always planning some way to pick on her, tease her, get her stirred up! And to think that even today, she still talks to us! For example, we knew she hated onions. She hated everything about onions and wouldn't even touch an unpeeled onion. So, for some special-occasion meals, my brother and I would get an onion out of the fridge, cut off a nice thick raw slice, and place it under her dinner plate. The entire meal my brother and I would be chuckling, knowing that the slice of raw onion was just inches away from her, and then, at precisely the right moment, one of us would ask her to "please pass the onion, Darlene." What a dinner table scene that would create!
As my sister grew up she became a cheerleader, a dance star, an Honor Roll student, but she always was following in the Gagnon footsteps of the baseball player, the football star, the local television celebrities. She managed to somehow survive quite nicely, however, and in her life she has become a star without ever talking about it on television, without ever writing a newspaper story or blog.
My sister has been a nurse with the Clinton County Health Department for a long time. To say she cares for people is an understatement. There is probably no one I know who would do more to help someone in need. During the "refugee crisis in the North Country" years ago, she invited some refugees to live in her home, becoming their constant companion and friend. Her life was disrupted for months, but that didn't bother her in the least, as long as she was helping someone.
My sister Darlene has always kept a busy schedule, raising two great kids, my niece Jessie and my nephew Forrest, teaching aerobics, working her health department job by day and, most recently, her new family business by night. All the while finding time for the importance of God in her life. She is a special person and I probably never told her so.
So, this blog being my forum to express my opinions, I figured that April 26th would be the perfect time to tell Darlene Joy Pavone how proud I am of her. How I have always known that she was a special person. How I am so happy that she is my sister.
And tonight, I promise, instead of running away, I'm going to run over to see you and give you a big brother hug! Happy Birthday, Dar!
Comments
Foxy - Your sister Darlene is an absolute doll - no doubt! She is the kind, caring and loving person you describe. I was fortunate enough to be her friend in second grade and was blessed to be reunited with her this past year. She and Paul are the cutest couple ever - where in the world do they get their energy? They never stop. I love them!
I remember staying the night at your house and you are soooo right - you brothers were a pest. But we loved ya anyways and always will.
So BIG hugs to my friend Darlene. Happy Belated Birthday - when I hit town (soon) we will celebrate! Love you Dar!
Posted by: Sandi Mueller | May 4, 2006 8:06 AM
Foxy, It's always great to say how special your siblings are. It is a direct tribute to your Parents, and the family values they instilled. I too am the oldest, with 2 younger brothers, and oh yeah, my baby sister Sharyl. My sister I'm sure found it hard to deal with 3 older brothers, but also found out that any guy who wanted to go out with her, had to pass "the big brothers test". She didn't date any guy, without us checking to make sure that he was okay!! Well, she met her Husband Mike, when they were both in High School, at Beekmantown. Mike was a good hockey net man, when he was in high school, my sis, was a good ball player. Anyhow, they have been married for close to 25 years now!! My sister always has and always will know how special she is to me. Even though we live quite a distance away these days, when we chat with each other, its always a positive experience!! Happy Birthday Darlene, and I understand Foxy's meaning of those Big Brother Hugs!!! PRICELESS!!!!!!
Posted by: Steve Peryer | April 27, 2006 9:28 AM
Foxy, I have known your family for most of my life! I was 9 when we moved to 52 Elizabeth St. Gosh what an experience that was to watch you and all the "Older Guys" play ball. Gerald Burdo, You and Goose and ... I have always thought Darlene was a super person as was your Mom & Dad, you, Goose Ahh the memories. Christmas time ... Halloween .. it seemed every holiday was a party at your house. I have to say Dave Froehlich and I both had an awful crush on your sister and her friends and looked forward to our visits with them.... Happy Birthday Darlene..Foxy and Goose are lucky brothers!! All sisters are cool! It has been an honor to know you all!!
Posted by: Randy Vaughn | April 26, 2006 3:02 PM
WOW! Your sister is a lucky girl to have you. Also, no greater gift could your mother receive then to have one sibling honor another, in this way. Hats off to the Gagnon family and Happy Birthday Darlene.
Posted by: Angela Jennette | April 26, 2006 11:06 AM