Dear birdgirl -Your sister sounds like such a precious gift, and the loss leaves a wound that may never truly heal. It is wrenching to remember, especially since it is so recent, but those same memories are the treasure you will have forever. It gets a little easier with time.
My mom died in 1999, but still,when her birthday comes (6.26) the missing gets especially sharp, physical even. My thoughts are with you now, my friend (sorry to highjack this thread a bit)

Maybe one day we can share a smoke and some laughs; I hope so!