Sisters who were once inseparable hold hands for the first time in six years, and this was likely goodbye
Sisters who were once inseparable hold hands for the first time in six years, and this was likely goodbye
Sisters who were once inseparable hold hands for the first time in six years, and this was likely goodbye
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Whether you have one sibling or 10, there will come a day when you have to say goodbye -- if you get the chance. Many times, we don't.
Leaving her home for the afternoon is an act that is about as spontaneous as it is simple for Pearline Johnson. At the age of 91, no movement comes easy, and no trips are without purpose. The only way she can travel is by ambulance. It's a ride that takes its toll.
Before we get into where Pearline was going -- we'll tell you where she's been.
Once upon a time, there was a family, 11 children strong. The kids grew up and moved across the country -- many settling in Milwaukee from Mississippi. Most of those kids had kids, but Pearline never did, and that makes her even closer with her nephew Glenn Wilder.
Wilder checks on Pearline daily -- her dementia noticeably more advanced with each visit. She asks about siblings she no longer has.
"She's been asking more about those siblings that have passed on and I started writing down the names for her a couple months ago about who's alive and who's dead and the sister we're going to visit are the only two left," Wilder said.
At a nursing home on Milwaukee's north side, Lilly Lewis awaited a visit from her big sister.
Pearline Johnson and Lilly Lewis
"They used to go grocery shopping every Saturday and go to church every Sunday together. They did everything together," Lilly's daughter Bernadette said of her mother and aunt.
Failing health changed all that. It had been six years since these sisters -- who lived one block away from each other for decades -- were able to look one another in the eye.
"What a day, what a day! Lord have mercy!" Pearline said.
Pearline Johnson and Lilly Lewis
Lilly's speech is slowed by stroke and a breathing tube. Pearline's mind is slowed by dementia -- but when these two sisters met for the first time in six years, there was no denying the bond.
"I'm better looking!" Pearline said.
During this reunion, there was laughter, music and food -- and the desire to seize the moment.
Pearline Johnson and Lilly Lewis
"She's always been the family matriarch and historian and all that history is just sort of lost now. I thought it was important they get together while she's able to recognize her sister," Wilder said.
It is unlikely these sisters will see one another again. "I love you" and "take care of me" were Lilly's parting words to her sister.
