I began writing this poem about a month after learning my sister, Claudia, had been diagnosed with terminal colon cancer. Through trepidation and tears I was able to finish roughly a month before she died. Thankfully I was able to share with her this tribute that expressed my love and adoration. Being the oldest and youngest in the family led us, in our later years, to affectionately refer to ourselves as Alpha and Omega. Her intelligence and drive had served as the benchmark my siblings and I were expected to achieve. Which seemed a nearly impossible goal to accomplish. It was my intention to read this at her funeral. Unfortunately, I was too overcome by grief but her childhood BFF, Stephanie, stepped in and filled the role most eloquently…
To Alpha from Omega
To Alpha from Omega The first until the last
Through you the course was plotted Through you the die was cast
A beacon shining brightly You led us all the way
Right from the very start To where we are today
We labored in your shadow Expected to display
The attributes that you possessed We heard so many say
Strive to be ever more like her And in the end you’ll see
A future that’s more brightly lit A far greater destiny
Such intelligence and poise Always your calling card
You made it seem so easy What we thought was too hard
And on and on you led us Your example as a guide
You are the heart and soul of us That cannot be denied
We never could have come this far Down life’s long winding road
Without your able guidance To you the debt is owed
And as this final chapter So lovingly is penned
I simply wish to say to you My sister, my best friend
To Alpha from Omega Now as from the start
I will always love you You’re forever in my heart
William E. Frazier May 23, 2004
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