Life's a Journey, not a Guided Tour: Reconciliation!

Sometimes great blessings come from great sorrow. As was the case at Jean's funeral on August 3rd. Mike & his middle son, Michael Jr., had been estranged for about 13 years until they reunited at Jean's funeral mass. I had never met Michael, nor had Katelyn. We were informed by Mike's daughter, Shelbey, that Michael planned to attend his grandmother's funeral. I thought to myself, well, this will either be a disaster or an opportunity for reconciliation between father and son. Thank GOD it was the latter. Michael was obviously very stricken over the loss of his grandmother. As Michael wept, Mike went up to him and I'm not sure what he said, but father and son embraced. I still get teary-eyed when I think about the power of that embrace. There was so much pain, and time lost, and sadness in that embrace; but ultimately there was forgiveness, relief, and hope. Reconciliation.

Michael was nothing like I had imagined he would be. He was warm and kind, open, funny, and gregarious. Shortly after his arrival, he made his way to Katelyn and introduced himself to her as her big brother & the two of them were nearly inseparable for the rest of the day. Michael embraced me numerous times as well. While beside the gravesite, I went to Michael to offer comfort and he embraced me. I whispered to him that his grandmother loved him, asked about him every time we saw her, and that it was her wish to have him and his father reunited. He said to me, "Well, she got it!"

Shane, Mike's oldest son, & Gina, Shane's wife, also attended the funeral. Mike and Shane also recently reconciled after working together 4 years ago ended badly. It was wonderful to be with them again. I have so many wonderful memories of the time we shared together & now I have many more memories to look forward to. Again, Katelyn was surprised to learn she has another big brother and big sister. Gina also shared with me that she and Shane are trying to get pregnant. Soon we may have another grandchild to love. The Lord works in mysterious ways, but one way or another, HE does answer our prayers.

Right now I am feeling so full of hope. I'm looking forward to big holiday gatherings and backyard barbecues with all of our family around us. I'm excited for Katelyn to know her older siblings. To share birthdays together. To hold grandbabies. My cup runneth over! You know at nearly 40, I'm not so very wise, but I have learned a few things about life: first when you love someone, you should tell them to their face and often; second when you hurt someone, you should say your sorry; and the third? Well, it's never too late to do the first or second until it is TOO late. Omnia vincit amor, nos et cedamus amori.

Now I'd like to introduce you to our family!