After I was nominated for a Liebster Award this week, I made a commitment to myself to write a blog post once a week in addition to concentrating on my photography.  This prompt really grabbed me, because I have a painful real-life situation which I think addresses the topic.

I am now almost 72 years of age and about 40 years ago, my sister, who is three years younger than me, estranged herself from her family.  My father and I were her only blood relatives.  

Over the years we called and wrote letters and my father even hired a private detective, mainly to find out if her young son was with her and something about her daily life.  The detective never saw my nephew, but we did believe that he was with her.

My father passed away and there was some contact through a trustee and lawyer regarding the estate.  She showed up briefly at my father’s memorial and I saw her once in a courtroom, but we did not speak.  Over time my life was full with my own wonderful family and I stopped trying to contact her.  My mantra has been, “The door is always open” if she wants to get in touch with me.

So, what would I do and say if she re-entered my life?  I think I would be thrilled to have an opportunity to to talk to her after all of these years and, maybe, get some answers from her.  I envision us, maybe in a restaurant or coffee house, catching up on our lives.  I would hope that she is well and, maybe, is feeling some remorse and a desire to have a family again.  I would hope that after this meeting, I would be re-united with my nephew and she would want to see my husband, children and the grandchildren, who she has never met.  Of course, it could also be a very hurtful or painful meeting, but I would be willing to take a chance!

It has felt very cathartic putting my thoughts about my sister in writing.  I don’t know if I will ever see her or hear from her again, but, “the door is always open”.

In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Delayed Contact.”