MY SIBLINGS, MY FRIENDS

I had writers block this morning and decided not to publish this day. The story that I had planned to write needed more thought. And so, I began my day; paying bills on line, checking e-mails and planning the day. Prior to leaving my desk, I thought that I was so glad that this election was over. My siblings and I did not share the same viewpoints about our candidates. There were a number of discussions, some HEATED.......Heated to the point, that I insisted upon facts and not fiction in order to make an informed decision prior to casting my vote.

This heated dialogue taught me much about our government and history. I found myself going all the way back to 1947 researching our branches of government. I wanted to know what caused the mess that our country is currently faced with. I did not want to cast a vote based upon emotion or to follow the pack.

My sisters and I agreed to disagree and respect one an others opinions. My older, brilliant, renegade brother was a different story. He challenged me with his knowledge. He worked in the Pentagon eons ago and has very strong opinion's. He is usually right but I frustrated him with my opinions.

I will not even try to write about our "DISCUSSIONS"!!!!!!!!!He really rattled my cage. What transpired and what I learned is enough to fill a book.

The election is over, and our discussions via e-mail will lead us to who knows where. Joe is 80 years old and continues to amaze me and so this morning, I sent him the following.

"Good Morning",

Life is constantly presenting challenges and knocks one down from time to time. A Lovendusky does not stay down for the full count and gets up to fight another round. We have learned to turn lemons into lemonade. I have experienced many difficult challenges in my life as have my siblings. We have experienced some small pushes and at other times many major blows.

We siblings have all experienced difficult times but we have also been blessed with so much of the wonderful life. As I interact with so many people, I find that many have no one in their lives. Can you imagine? No one to have a heated discussion with, to smile, laugh, cry and disagree with. How lonely, how sad.

I look at each and every one of my siblings (my friends) and see very special, unique individuals. We are an interesting, diverse family. Each with a story of joy, sorrow, pain and success. In our own way, we make a difference in the lives of those around us.

I have learned something different from each and every one of you.

So this morning, I would like to start the day by letting you know that I am very happy to have you as my brother.

Have a great day,

Dolores

He responded:

I got up this morning and the sun was shining again and I was breathing. Isn't that great? The stupid election season is over and I hope that we never see another as bad as this one was. The worst, I've ever seen.

You are so right about family. We can bounce back, because we had darn good examples growing up.

Take care of yourself.

Have a great day. I'm happy to have you girls as my sisters.

Joe Jr.

I had not planned to publish, but I started to type what was running around in my head and decided to share my thoughts with you. Hope you do not mind.