I believe the search is over, now the building begins

Ever since I was a little girl I have always known I was really the middle child of four. I knew my eldest half-brother Larry for a little while. He lived with our paternal grandmother in Chicago all of his life. His life was cut short by gang violence. He was a gang member and was killed by the very "family" he had become a part of, be it directly or indirectly...does it really matter.

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There was another half-brother that I never knew personally, but have always been aware of his being. Marvell. Great name isn't it. He was born before me by a few years. He also was born and raised in Chicago. My one and only memory of him, if you can call it that, isn't really a memory of him at all, but of a moment in time. I had scratched up my knee and I recall/remember him being there. I was sitting in a car and getting ready to ride away and he was at the window saying, he hoped I got better...that was it, all I remember. I haven't seen him since.

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Then there comes me. The different one. I have always been the different one.

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The baby of our little quartet is Yolanda, "Lucky" or "Luck" is what we call her. She and I grew up together. Night and day, we are...but love that girl!!!! I do. She is one of those you love to hate but can't because she wouldn't care if you did. She make me laugh and cry and worry. I wouldn't be a GREAT big sister if I didn't love her one moment and can't stand her the next. She is the flavor in our home in North Carolina.
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Well, just a week ago maybe...I joined the facebook community. It is a interesting and fun site. Anyway, I was sitting with my hubby adding people I wanted as friends and blurted out loud, "I'm going to put in Marvell's name and see what I get." David was apprehensive but supportive. I found someone that I thought could be him. I was shocked. I debated whether or not to ask him to be my friend, after all, if he really took a look at my profile he would likely not know who the heck I was, but I hit the link anyway.

To my surprise the next morning...he accepted. I was bewildered. I then thought I should send a message, one on one...for his eyes only kind of thing. It took about an hour to write these simple words:

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I do not want to scare you or to make you uncomfortable in any way...but I have a slight inclination to believe you are my half-brother.Is your mother's name Blonette?

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That opened everything up. We've talked...he's called our dad, our sister and even had a chance to talk to my mom. He is so welcoming and all three of us are somewhat overwhelmed.

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He is taking a very big step...he is going to NC to see his dad, our dad, sister and my mom this weekend. I wish I were there.

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So the building begins.

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I am so grateful for the this gospel I live. Family is so important. You can't get here without some sort of one and you can't leave without some kind of family. I am just thankful that I have a stable and sturdy family. Oh yeah the going can get rough, but hell, why do it alone.

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The family is the foundation of the world, without it the world would not be.