One of my first memories is of the bars of the crib, when I was just a little baby. My sister Jayne was reaching down to pick me up and Julia rushed in & pinched my cheeks too hard that the scream ~cry that came out was almost shocking even to me. Jackie watched with her thumb in her mouth almost relieved that there was a newcomer to deal with this family. Mom would subsequently screech over the bedlam her famous words: “bring the baby here!” Whew I am the baby oh yeah!!! Take me to Mom! I was awake to the fact that this was going to be a rocky ride. I had three older sisters and they were very, very, physical. They gave lots of pounding and lots of smooches. I know that everybody said “another girl?”to my parents; who were far from finished with trying to get the boy they wanted. God’s grace gave them another girl Amy to follow me then finally Tony and then Abby.
Where do you turn when all your strength feels gone? My sisters and brothers taught me most profoundly that God is real. They were merciless. Our world felt very brutal~ some of my most ardent heartfelt prayers came out of the desperation I felt growing up. I am sure of it. There are things that you can only learn from experience. That there is a comfort and a love that goes beyond the human is experiential only. You must keep getting up. You must never believe that you are worthless or that others can ever stop you. These are lessons some people never get to learn. The adversity made me very strong and very resilient. So for that I am very thankful.
Now, I am seeing that, more and more I look to my sisters and brothers for support for shared memories and for their shoulders. I moved & celebrated my birthday recently and know I could not have done either without them. We have an indestructible bond which has been forged through difficulties as well as plenty of laughs. May we continue to grow in love. Thank you all for everything.
3 comments:
WHAT JU MADE A CAKE TOO
AND AMY NOW YOUR HEADING SOUTH FOR JAYNES PARTY TOO ..... YOUR FUNNY ONE DAY THATS IT
KEEP ENJOYING LIFE CRAZY SISTER
I saw a new baby and I said the same thing about what physical big sisters you had. You little guys had constant rashes on your cheeks from all of the kisses and hugs. Mom was not hip to the fact that we thought we were grown after Ms. Newsome. She was expecting Amy and I thought that meant that I was Ms. Newsome at 5 years old. She was too sick from being expecting and too scared that I would drop you to whip me for it. What a pickle she was in with us, little rascals!? I love those pictures!
Funny Jackie !!! You know you represented for the whole~ I am trying to see the glass as half full you know~ But I loved my party and know they all wished they could have been there ;)
Jayne ~ I have got so many memories which I think is because of some strange way I was made... But Ms Newsome is a blur You will have to fill me in on more about her when you get a chance..
Love to you both thx
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