Family Reunion

It had been a long time, 28 yrs, since many of us had seen Philip.When Donna decided to come visit, Joyce talked him into coming as well. The rest just followed after that. I was lucky to leave work early to see everyone.

There are four of us girls and when our parents divorced; our dad remarried and had Philip, our brother. Here is a picture of Becky, Donna, Philip, Joyce, and I. 

I enjoyed getting to know Philip and his family. I remember seeing him when he was two and talking to him on the phone when he was five. I was 13 when he was born and I joined the Army at 19 and lost contact. Although we have been facebook friends we have not really talked other than sending pictures. The other girls have seen or spoken at different times. 

I did not get to spend a lot of time with the kids and get to know them as well. But that is okay, as we have learned sometimes you have to be patient. This is a picture of his family: Philip and his wife Lori, Oldest to youngest- Riley, Jaden, and Aubrea. Lori seems very friendly and sweet. 

It has been a couple years since Charles and I went to see Donna and her family. I was really excited to see her. We get along great which was not always the case when we were young. She is the oldest and two years older than me. I was lucky to have a chance to connect with the kids during our last visit and enjoy seeing them again.

My kids; Alex, Danny, and Charles.

Joyce is four years younger than me. Her and her Husband Justin have helped me out quite a bit. Joyce helped the kids and I get this apartment shortly after I moved back home. She is the planner, coordinator in our family. She also provided the space for the get togethers. You may have noticed her girls Maddi and Kathryn mentioned in some of my previous posts.

The baby, at least of us girls, is Becky. Becky is eight years younger than me. I was her protector and nurturer growing up. While I don't think she has completely grown out of that role we have also helped each other out in the past. She is the one who talked me into moving home and took me in, in return I helped out with the kids, especially Ruben who was born while we lived there. 

This is a picture of everyone, including family from my dad's side: Uncle Tom and Aunt Shirley, Grandma Deloris, cousin Crystal and her husband.

One of all the kids