Extreme Makeover Part 1: Life Edition

My trip to Atlanta was bittersweet. I saw the beauty of Stone Mountain, ate more fabulous food than I can even talk about, spent time with my brother, sister and nephew, met new artists and caught an exhibit, and received news of my grandmothers passing. She was 94.

Almost a century she saw in her lifetime. I think about all the things I have studied in history and how much of that she actually experienced! She traveled the world, had a meaningful career as a librarian and provided substantial opportunities for myself as well as other family members. However, our relationship was a strained one. She was a very difficult person to love and be in relationship with. But God has used that circumstance, in each member of my family, to refine and shape us. That's how He works you know...giving us beauty for ashes

It has been years since all of my immediate family has been together in one location. Here is a snapshot of our memorable moments together...

The Family

The man cave

My sister, Nikki, getting ready to cook. Probably where I should have been also but my duty remains to the camera

My sisters,Nikki and Latoya

My brother Austin and nephew Keinen. Keinen had his first dirt bike lesson...in which he ended up upside a tree!(no injuries)

Auntie Bird stealing kisses from Austin Jr.

....and Jr not feeling the love!

That was the first time I have felt that vulnerable and fragile. So many emotions surfaced following the days of my grandmothers death. I didn't know what to do with them all. I can see how people can make rash decisions during emotional times such as that. I learned the importance of building emotional stability on a daily bases so that when situations arise I am not enticed to reach out to things or people for comfort. I made that mistake and it almost cost me a friendship.

It is hard to be friends with an ex-boyfriend, past lover or ex anything. In my case I have actually pulled it off. My ex-fiance is one of my best friends (and has been a tremendous support during this time, thanks Pete!) so I know it can be done. It took us years to get to where we are. It was very hard in the beginning and required much effort from both parties but I know from experience that it is possible. My most recent relationship is now going through the same phase. It has been bumpy trying to be friends and I expect it will take quite a while for us to get used to the idea. Learning and exercising boundaries, respecting privacy, not playing games...it takes a while for all of that to mesh and lots of forgiveness. My emotions got the best of me one evening during my mourning process. I reached out to him and reacted harshly when he was unable to be there in a time of need. Fortunately he was able to recognize what was happening, my emotions running wild and all, and respond in a mature way. I appreciated that (I won't mention his name in this instance but you know who are you are...thank you). From this experience I saw something that was very real: the capacity of love to reach beyond the obvious, what is seen, and extend to what is hidden, the unseen.


Coming home and having to face the reality of my grandmothers death made everything in my life appear to be new. What was once surreal has become a reality; what was in the background has propelled into the foreground. I have a charge to finish the work that has been entrusted to me. I have more than a reason to now...I have a passion renewed.