Sidda

My dear cousin Sidda passed away this past Saturday. This has been one of the hardest things I have ever gone through. God is so good to see all of us through this, but it still hurts. I was given the tremendous privilege of writing her Eulogy which was read at her funeral by my little brother since I was unable to be there. Please be praying for Connor, Brent, John Russell and Karen during this time.

Sidda

How do I even begin to say goodbye to Sidda? What words can describe what I am feeling as I sit in my bed in Kenya and attempt to face the reality of what my family is walking through thousands of miles away in Heflin. The idea that my Sidda will not be one of the first people to wrap her arms around me when I step off the plane next year is not a reality to me yet. As you are all gathered here to celebrate the life of Sidda and attempt to say goodbye let’s first remember some wonderful memories about our dear Sidda.
Sidda has always been the life of the party and she wanted nothing less for her funeral. She told me several times over the years she wanted her funeral to be a party, and even though our spirits are down and our hearts are heavy, let’s first celebrate Sidda.
My first dear memories with Sidda began when I was thirteen and would go to Alabama with Granny and Granddaddy to visit. I was shocked to discover there was this incredible family member who I barely knew in my young life. We immediately hit it off and the rest is history.
No one has ever fully understood my relationship with my cousin Sidda but I can honestly say she has been my big sister and one of my best friends. She was no less than a celebrity who hated to answer her phone but when she finally did those phone conversations were absolutely wonderful. The countless trips to Heflin over the summer and Christmas breaks quickly became some of my favorite times. She always showed me the best times and spoiled me rotten. Some of my favorite times with Sidda were jamming out in the car, taking care of the horses, going “fitching,” going to the beach, riding four wheelers, trying to beat her in Harry Potter “Scene It”, trashing her car in hopes of Brent buying her a new one, cosmic bowling, drinking energy drinks with Ginsing on the way to Six Flags, going to the movies, working the gate at the Heflin Jamboree and of course playing Spades. She always wanted to make sure I was entertained and having a blast while I was there, which she did so well. Through all the things she planned for us they were all overshadowed by just being with her. I didn’t come to Heflin for all the fun activities, but to be with Sidda and the family.
When I was praying about coming to Africa Sidda immediately was one of my biggest supporters. She was the first to tell everyone how proud she was of me for chasing the vision God laid on my heart. When I left her house in October she was already planning my welcome back party in 2010 when I return home. I wish more than anything I could have jumped on a plane and been home to be there with all of you now but I know that she would be absolutely “PISSED” if I came home.
To Brent thank you for always sharing your wonderful wife and best friend with me. You always put up with our late nights in your house while you had to get up early the next day. You always welcomed me and never made me feel like it was time to go but rather you wanted me to stay longer. My heart absolutely breaks for you as I know the difficult task that lies ahead of you. God will pick you up and give you the strength to face your life ahead.
To Connor, I cannot begin to express my heart to you. I have known you since you were born and I know how much you love your wonderful mother. I love you so much and my heart aches for you. I wish more than anything I could be there with you right now.

To Caesar and John Russell, I don’t understand why God allows these things to happen, but He will see you through this and continue to prove faithful. I love y’all and grieve with you even though I am so far away.
To the rest of our family and to so many others who have been touched by Sidda don’t forget the things she taught you and constantly remember all the great memories you made with her.
Sidda taught me to truly love people. I cannot think of one time I left her house or hung up the phone without her making sure to get in a “love you.” Every time I left her house she always gave strict instructions to “call when you get there” and if I didn’t then she would be calling worried if I made it home safely. She loved unconditionally and always wanted to make sure that we knew it. Her youthful ways drew so many kids to her. The main reason was she didn’t treat us like we were kids. She got down on our level and really listened. Kids were completely drawn to her. She taught me so much about kids by the way she related to me. She inspired me to work with kids and was so proud when I started working with people with special needs. She loved me enough to let me go and was the first to release me to my mission in Africa. She was completely unselfish. No matter how much she may be hurting inside she was going to keep smiling in front of everyone and make sure that everyone was happy. I can’t count the times that I laughed so hard with her that I cried.
I don’t know how to even begin to say goodbye. Sidda, I love you so much. I am so thankful you are no longer in pain and now in the arms of Jesus. I selfishly want you here. I can’t help but question why God chose to take you now, but I am trying to trust Him. You have left such a deep imprint in my life and the lives of many others.
Now is the time for all of us to embrace Brent, Connor, Caesar, and John Russell and be Sidda for them. I wish more than anything I could be there, but all of you, please be there for these precious people. This day will quickly pass but then will come the months and years ahead. Be there and love on these wonderful people like Sidda needs us to now. Take the time to celebrate her life and recall stories of how she has touched each of your lives.
Sidda, I thank you for your life and taking the time to truly love me. My life is on a completely different track because of you. I will carry your memories with me all of my life and am forever changed. I look forward to the day we are reunited in Heaven. Until then, keep flying Superwoman!

Love you!!!

Jeffrey – Your little brother and “Princess”


“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:34-35