Ode to My Sister

Eboni Jo McPherron (Eads) was born July 18^th, 1990. Though it should have been a joyous occasion for me, being almost 6 and all, I was not delighted. There was another girl coming into the family and she was going to steal my thunder. I, being the only girl for six years was used to the spoiling and attention and let’s face it,,,, I was a brat. But Ebbie came anyways.

She was an okay little sister. Annoying and wanted to play with me, but almost worse than that, my friends WANTED to play with her. I have to admit that she was a stinking cute little girl, so I don’t blame them. I have one very distinct memory that stands out for me about Ebbie. It was just after Christmas and I was so excited because I had gotten a candy cane filled with Lip Smackers chapsticks. Not just one but many. I was ecstatic because those were the cool things to have and I finally had some. Well one day, I came into my room and Ebbie was sitting on top of my dresser. She had in her hand my Lip Smacker candy cane. She had eaten/demolished ALL of my chapsticks I didn’t have a single one. I yelled for my mom and in my head I thought for sure she would be given away. What she did was the ultimate last straw and I was for sure going to be rid of her. My mom wouldn’t keep her anymore. She was so naughty! But mom just laughed and even went and got her camera and took a  picture of it. I was not a happy girl.

 

As the years passed, of course our relationship changed. It took a while for me to notice Ebs through my teen years and it wasn’t until I was leaving on my mission for me to realize how much I loved her and that she loved me. She had burst out in tears when I became a missionary and could hardly contain her sobs the whole time. She was a great pen pal. When I had gotten home from my mission, our relationship had changed to a deep friend ship. Today I can honestly say that she is my best friend. We spend so much time together and I love every moment.

Oh, what I didn’t mention was that before my sister was born, my mom had carried my brother, Bronson, whom she lost, My family was devastated. That was to be the end of our family. Just us four kids. My mom had planned to get her tubes tied and she was done. This decision was made and it was final. The Bronson died (stillborn).  After a bit, she did receive conformation that our family was not done. If she had gotten her tubes tied, we would not have had my sister, Eboni, or my little brother, Treven. For years and years, we called Bronson our Saturday's warrior because we always said that he gave up his chance here on Earth to let Ebbie and Trev come down.

But now, things are coming slowly into full fruition. We are now finally understanding the great sacrifice my little brother made on behalf of our family. If Bronson had come, Ebbie wouldn't have been here. Ebbie is my bone marrow match. My only relative bone marrow match. If she hadn't have been born, my parents probably would have lost me too by now. Ebbie is literally going to save my life. And our Heavenly Father knew this. Bronson probably knew this too. It brings to mind a quote by Elder Neal A, Maxwell that says, “Faith in God includes faith in His timing.” Also in 2^nd Nephi 2 it states “But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of Him who knoweth all things."

 

I know that our Heavenly Father loves us and that He has a plan for our lives.Eboni was not meant to be given away the day she ate my chapsticks. She was meant to be my sister and my best friend. I love her more than words can express and am eternally grateful that she is given me the opportunity through her marrow to give me life. I'm so grateful for the gospel and that we know we can have our families forever. Ebbie will be my sister for forever. 

Eboni Jo, Il love you forever, I’ll like you for always. As long as I’m living (and longer) my sister you’ll be.