Someone I haven't mentioned

Even though, this won't be news to most of you, I feel that I need to say something. Several weeks ago my extended family grew by one, with my sisters first baby. His name is Emmett. He's healthy, my sister is healthy, and even if they weren't, I probably wouldn't hear about it.

Emmett was born a few weeks ago. I've been contemplating mentioning him here, but I haven't been sure what to say. I've been distant with my sister for the last few months/years, and dragging things around here isn't going to help. My sister and her husband have made a number of choices that I don't believe have been the best for them, or of some of the people around them. If it weren't for the kindness of friends and family (myself not included) they would likely be upon some very hard times.

We have not spent a lot of time together in the last number of years, and in the last few months, spoken even less than normal. The last real conversation we did have, one on one, did not end well. I know a number of people have mentioned that I should say something to her. I have chosen not to. And after seeing her and Emmett this past weekend for the first time, I will continue with that choice. I do believe(/hope) that she has started to realize the situation she has her self in, and that a new priority has been set. Anything I have to say wouldn't be news, and would only make things even worse.

I hope for the best for them. Emmett, and every other child, deserves it.

As for the Uncle Al thing? It's not new. While I may not be blood, am I any less of an uncle to Pete, Morgan, Ryan, Ashley and Britney? At least with them, their parents can always caution them, "Uncle Al may be a little crazy, but not to worry, he isn't really related." Poor Emmett, he has no excuse.