For day #2 (11/26) of my “Journal of Thankfulness”, I would have to say I am thankful for the INTERNET.

The internet has reconnected me with so many people from the past. Sure, we could call, write letters, and catch up every year with the traditional Christmas card letter, but the internet makes it all so much better. Instead of hearing about the milestones and accomplishments in the annual letter, for those who we follow on any of the numerous social media sites, we can celebrate real time!

On Friday, Tara and I met up with my former sister-in-law and her family. When Rick and I were married, I loved spending time with Kate and Tom, and at that time there very young boys Patrick and Andrew. (They are 4 and 2 years older than Tara… all of them born in March, 1993, 1995 and 1997).

The last time I saw them I believe might have been Mother’s Day 1997. Shortly after Emily was born in June, they moved to Maryland, as did Rick’s parents. The physical distance from the move, and the emotional distance caused by my separation from Rick created a 14 year estrangement.

I still to this day, do not know what caused Rick’s parents to cut Tara in particular out of their lives. I may never know. Water far under the bridge now. Brief connections were made over the years in attempts to locate Rick. The search sadly came to an end in December 2009, when Rick was found dead in a field in Georgia. Homeless.

Kate and I became friends on Facebook several months ago. We have celebrated milestones, commiserated over being the mom’s of teens, and prayed for comfort for Emil (her Dad) who is battling cancer. Tara and I went to Ocean City, MD in the spring, with thoughts of connecting, but the family was out of town. Finally schedules were aligned and we were able to meet up at Starbucks during their visit to the area for Thanksgiving. I loved seeing how the boys have grown into young men, and meet Emily for the first time. She is a beautiful young lady. I could have talked for hours, but Tara was less than patient, and they had other family to visit.

Tara reluctantly went with with me. She has some understandable animosity toward the family who in her words “didn’t want to know me for the last 14 years”… Kate understood how overwhelming it was for her, after all, she was out numbered 5/2! I would love for her to get to know them as they are family, but she looks at it differently, as Rick was adopted, so they are not related by DNA. Some things you just can’t force!

I am thankful that the internet was able to help break the ice for this reunion, short but very meaningful to me to happen!

What are you thankful for?