I often reflect back to June of 2003 when I tried to get everyone together for a second sister and brother reunion.  When it didn't happen I sat down and did what I do best...I wrote a letter expressing how sad it felt.  And how sad it is to think that one day mother will die and this family will die as well.  Little did I know, August 20 of that same year she would be gone forever, just as I had spoken of in that letter.   It is my prayer that we will not have to have another funeral to come together as a family.  Mother's death came with a great sting and unfortunately afterward the stings got greater.  Relationships suffered a blow out of selfishness and the lack of understanding the grief process.  Sadly, things were said and done that can't be undone...some intentionally, some unintentionally....all damaging to process of uniting this family.  I don't claim to be perfect, and I no longer hide in the shadows.  I'm willing to invest more and show my heart as long as I see the hope of unity and I feel the nudge of God saying keep trying. 

 

I know what God is able to do with this family, because I know what he has done for me time and time again.  When I less deserved his blessings he covered me.  In the midst of grieving Mother's death, I almost shut down. But, by the Grace of God the very person I grieved for came to me in a dream and said, "Go on....get passed  my death and live."

 

Family, let's get passed the pain and live in unity.   I'm asking each of you to step out the box and take a risk.  YOU just might learn something about a sister or brother you don't know.  Discover what love feels like among you and the one you refuse to talk to or guard yourself against.  We are better than what we KNOW.