A Blessing in the Closet

The List has become more than I had planned and I am only three months in to a year long journey. I have found amazing opportunities and seized them. I have had fantastic ideas suggested and planned them. I have opened myself up to you and the others in my life and have been blessed in return. Things I only dreamed of are becoming reality or have become a casual norm. This week has brought me a lifelong dream, one I never thought could play out into the reality it has become.

I grew up not knowing my biological father or his family. I was blessed with an amazing grandfather who filled that paternal role. I was further blessed with a man who came into my life as a young child, married my mother, adopted me and raised me as his own. I always wondered what was on the other side, but being the feeling child, I never wanted to interrupt the normal routine of my paternal family. As I matured, I realized there was much more to my thoughts and feelings and I had become comfortable with what I didn’t know. Every family has its ups and downs, and its closets. When those closet doors open, you cannot forget what you saw inside. This week, one of my closet doors flew wide open, and I am in love with what has bounced out in front of me.

His name is Roger. He is my brother. His smile is contagious, even in photos. His eyes seem to be a reflection of my soul. His voice is fun and calming all in one. His stories seem so sincere and from a perspective I truly applaud. It has been only a few short days since we spoke the first time, but after one conversation I can pick up the phone and call him as if we knew each other all of our lives.

I have planned a visit with him and his family on the way to our spring break excursion in just a few short weeks. I am not afraid, I am excited. I know there are leaps and bounds, bridges and barriers, and laughter and tears to come. With blessings, someday soon I will mock him as I do my baby brother Fred, or perhaps I will experience a new perspective as Roger razzes his little sister.

Roger, thanks for typing that email.