mj and jsc,

Thank you both so much for the responses! You said some things that I definitely needed to hear. I know that right now I am anger-driven and I don't feel good about that. I should be more understanding of her and what she's gone thru and I'm hoping that when the time comes, I'll be able to reach deep inside and extend my hand to her. Maybe this is so hard for me because my younger sister and I have been thru so much together, had our fights and falling outs, but we've managed to maintain our bond and stay close. As brothers and sisters we should have stuck together.

A functional, happy family has become so important to me as an adult because I didn't have one as a child. I try to stress the importance of family to my children. I'm hoping that they and their children, and their children's children will grown up knowing how priceless it is to have your family close to you.

So, I will do my best to cope with this reunion. And if something happens to trigger anger in me, I'll take a walk or a drive, or talk to someone instead of venting my anger and ruining it for everyone. I need to set an example for my kids.

But I do know that someday I need to ask my sister why she chose to shut us out of her life. I guess now just isn't the time.

Thanks again for your feedback, I really did need to hear it.

bp

"A true friend is someone who reaches for your hand and touches your heart."