A Tribute to Theresa Sahm Gilligan........Written by her sister, Diana Harrington 1982

I wish I had a wish, a wish of all wishes. If I found an Aladdin's lamp or rubbed a Buddha's belly, maybe it would come true . I've pitched pennies in the fountains and made promises on the stars. But to no avail, my wish won't come true .

It's a simple wish, a modest little pleasure. My wish is one day with you. It doesn't have to be a special day, not sunny, bright or breezy. Just an ordinary 24-hour day. A pot of tea, possibly some sweets. I've got so much to tell. So very much we've missed.

I could tell you of my son. He came a year after you left. He's only 20 months old but all boy, just like Greg. Blonde, blue eyed and that same mischievous grin. I know you'd be so happy. You always wanted to be an aunt. I'd let you hold him, spoil him and I wouldn't even fuss.

We could watch the children play. He would enjoy playing cowboys and Indians with Greg and even house with Lisa. We could chuckle as they imitate mommies and daddies.

You could tell me what to do. How to teach, correct and lead him through his life. There's so much I need to know and you've always had the answers.

We could talk about cleaning, cooking and making a house a home. We could reminisce about the funny games we played as little girls and how competitive we were in school. You could play the piano and I could sing. Oh, how we loved to do that.

As the day came to a close, we could sit by our husbands and share our grief’s, our happiness, our plans for the future.

And at last as the 24th hour appeared, as I headed toward the door, I would hug you and kiss you and tell you how much I miss you. I would tell you how much I enjoy being your sister. I would say with all my heart and all the feelings I could collect how much I love you and always will. Then we would say our goodbyes and smile knowing our last deed which we were robbed and cheated of was finished and complete.

Diana