holes

A young friend of Tyler’s is getting married this weekend.

His bride-to-be is a sweet little thing from a close-knit family.

She’ll be leaving several younger siblings.

If I were in a position to give Ms. Abigail Sawyer

(isn’t that a lovely name?!)

advice,

I would tell her,

“Your siblings will miss you terribly.

Oh

your parents will miss you, too; they’ll be fine.

But the kids.

They just might feel abandoned.

Sure
they like Taylor.
And they’re excited to have a big brother
but they don’t really know what they’re in for.
When you leave
and don’t come back after a few days
there will be a hole.







I know you are anxious to be one with your new husband
and all that s*x
and cooking and cleaning
and s*x
will keep you pretty occupied.
May I encourage you, though,
to take the time to let your siblings know
that you still value them
and love them.






Send them a note
with a drawing - if you’re so inclined.
Visit once a month.
Help smooth the edges of that jaggedy hole.





Because
there will be a jaggedy hole; they’ve had you their whole lives.
And now
you are gone.”

~

Nate, Mandy, ‘Lish, Matt,

I’m sorry.

I didn’t know.

I never thought about what my leaving the family

might mean to you.

I love you.