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I lived on the coast of California since 1997 and rarely did I prioritize coming home to Ohio or going to visit my sister Melissa and her children in Georgia.  Last year I took a leap of faith and moved to Brazil. On that part of my journey I finally felt at home in my own skin for the first time in my life.  After 91 days and a paperwork mix-up I was deported and made the choice to live in South Eastern Ohio once again.  I wanted 2011 to be a year of family.  I wanted to be able to connect my newly found self with the people I value most here on this planet.

Two days ago, September 8, would have been my nephew Adam’s birthday, and when I came home from Brazil I had intended be in his presence to celebrate.  It would have been the first time I hugged him on his birthday.  Even though I believe he and I did share presence as I thought of him on his birthday, knowing that I only made the effort to spend 4 weeks with that little man weighs a heavy on my heart……..READ MORE