The rest of the “Oprah Story”…To me, Jake is the most inspiring “living life beyond” story that has affected my life on so many levels. He grew up never really know who his real father was. Many of you out there may have a similar story. But, what makes this story unique in my eyes is the person he has become despite all the deceit in his life. There are no grudges or sorrow. When we seeked out Willie (his biological father) 5 1/2 years ago, we (or I should say Jake) had no expectations. He just wanted to know him, even if it was for a second. He never wanted anything more from the already, beautifully established family that was created with him on the outside. What he got in return for all of his patience and unconditional love was the most beautiful gift that I have ever witnessed. The voids that were created over the years were all filled and his understanding of family has grown. Because of the pictures that I took of Willie years ago when he came to visit….we are now in touch with his WHOLE family on Willie’s side. I am so proud even writing it. We have talked to 3 of his siblings now and the conversations couldn’t have been more healing or accepting. They are such beautiful people and they have reached out to Jake with open arms. It’s everything I dreamed for Jake and more. We recently got a moment in time with the youngest of the 4 older siblings. His name is Gregory and he is so full of joy. He keeps the picture of Tré (below) on his desk at work and one day recently, he took a look at it and had a strong desire to reach out to Jake. We are so glad that he did! We were able to have him over for dinner. We exchanged Willie sotries. We told him how much he meant to us in our lives and he shared so many beautiful stories about his family and Jake’s father. Willie passed away in April of 08 and upon his death, his children learned of Jake’s existence. All the details of this story belong in a book that is not for me to write. I am just so thankful that we are a part of the happy ending.
There is no more wondering my love. No more searching for another person on this earth that has pieces of you. I am so proud of the man you became. You are my inspiration. You live life beyond each day and I’m glad that we “combined powers”;)
Talking about how tall Jake is and that there aren’t that many others in the family that reached his height (or have that dang eyebrow…lol).
I have seen this smile on Jake’s face a million times around me and the kids. This is the smile that lights up the whole room because of all it’s glory. I could be mistaken, but I am pretty sure that this is the first time that I have even been able to capture such a joy with the camera. I can’t tell you happy this photos makes me!
Thank you Gregory for making a point to come visit us. As we told you one by one around the dinner table….we are so thankful that you are in our lives. Your incredible soul exudes Willie’s amazing spirit and I can see him in your eyes. We miss him so much and it helps the wounds knowing that we still have a huge piece of him in our lives….his family that he was so proud of! I hope that we can do the same for you. Your stories of your childhood and your bestfriend (Willie) are like the sweet nectar that feeds our souls. We can’t wait to continue the process of getting to know him through you and Yvette, Tony and Gwen. We look forward to meeting the rest of the family.
