Wanda Harder’s Tribute to Valerie Joy Herzler for her memorial service on June 19, 2014

My precious Valerie,

We’ve been friends ever since you moved in across the road in 1975, and I’ve always called you my sister. It’s so hard to put into words who you were to me and how much I will miss you. I’ve spent the past few days going through old photos and replaying thousands of memories. Memories of:

For all the time we spent together, I can’t believe that there are so few photos of the two of us. (Don’t worry—that photo of us in our Wonder Woman costumes will never become public.) We just weren’t into photos. We were into being friends and spending time together.

You were always content to stay in the background, but you possessed such grace and wisdom. You cared deeply about people, and you were such a wonderful listener. As we’ve shared the ups and downs of life and wrestled with issues of faith and parenting together, I’ve so appreciated your thoughtful insights, your integrity, and your prayers. You forgave me for the many times I was a too-bossy big sister. You always laughed at my jokes. Thank you for blessing my life with your sweetness. I will miss you. You will always be my sister.

 
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Now read this

Tribute to Valerie Joy Brunk Herzler for her memorial service on June 19, 2014

One of the most difficult things I have ever done was to write and then present this tribute for Valerie. In hindsight, I am so glad that I did it. From the day my dear sister was born in Palermo, Sicily, I have loved her and felt very... Continue →