My Nephew

Philip and his girlfriend, Shanna, joined us for dinner tonight.  It was so very good to see them both.   We all have interesting paths to travel in our lives and Philips journey is no exception.  If you remember my sister that lived next door to me for a brief year or two about a year ago . . . Philip is my sister's son.  They used to live in Florida, about an hour north of where we are.  My brother-in-law, Philips dad, passed away in 2003 from end-stage renal disease.  Philip was 15 and his brother, Kyle, 9.  It was not a good time.  Shortly after, Philip got in trouble for making a bad choice and he paid the price for it.  Coupled with the family's heartache, a big price was paid by all.

Now, just about eight years later, Philip is amazing.  He has matured into a fine young man and my heart was clenched just listening to him talk about making it on his own.  Sometimes we need knocks along the way so we know which way to go.  And sometimes having a pretty, encouraging friend share the journey, makes our travels a bit more exciting.

It was a fun, relaxed evening.  The only way it could've been any better is if my sister still lived next door.