Sometimes time really does heal (most) wounds

A few weeks ago I shared a heart-breaking story of how my extended family flew apart after the death of my uncle. Unfortunately during the year after his death, my brother and his wife went through some very difficult times. Despite encouraging him to do the work that his marriage vows required of him, they were divorced later that year after only a few years of marriage. In 1997, when he told me that he was going to ask her to marry him, I have to admit I was not very enouraging. I felt like they were too young (he was only 21) and I'm sure part of me was jealous because before he started dating her, my brother and I had been very close. Over time, however, I grew to like her and it was nice to have a sister since I'd never had one before.

Despite my desire to be there for her during and after their divorce, we eventually lost track of each other as sometimes happens during these situations. Last year though, through the beauty of Facebook, we reconnected. I was thrilled to see that she was happily remarried with a young son. She had always wanted a family and she finally had it.

A few weeks ago, I saw that they were expecting their second child at the end of September. I took a chance and contacted her husband via Facebook. I asked him how she might react to a visit from me and I was touched to hear that she had always spoken fondly of me. He told me that she was scheduled to have their daughter by C-section on Friday in Fort Wayne. So, early on Saturday morning I made my way north and I was overjoyed when I was greetly with open arms when I surprised her at the hospital.

I stayed for a couple of hours and got to meet her husband, catch up on how things are in her life now and held their newest bundle of joy. I can unbiasedly say she's just beautiful. She soft and pink and spends lots of time sleeping as most babies do.

So, my heart is warmed that sometimes time does heal most wounds and I look forward to getting to visit more with them in the future.