Ode to my Not Brother, John

This is John Minton, my not brother

There are two special holidays today - and I'm not comfortable with either one, to be perfectly honest.  Today is BABY DAY!!!!!!!!!!!  Most of you are aware of the fact that I've spent the better part of my married life in doctor's offices and fertility clinics.  The fight was in vain and I have no children. 

Today is also BROTHER AND SISTER DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!  Well, I was adopted and raised an only child.  When I was in my early 20's, I did get a copy of my sealed adoption papers.  I was born on April 2, 1961 at Wesley Hospital here in Wichita, KS.  I am the youngest of TEN children.  Yes, Matilda, I really do have nine siblings running around - somewhere. 

I've made half-hearted efforts to search for siblings, but have not had any luck.  I was born "baby girl Minton" to Charles and Lena Minton.  Since I was a preemie I had to stay in the hospital for a while, but I was adopted a few weeks later by James and Betty Turner. 

I never moved from Wichita.  If someone in the Minton family wanted to find me, it would not have been that difficult.  So - what is left when you take away babies and siblings?

I'm glad you asked!  I declare today is FRIENDSHIP DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Today is the day you show your love and appreciation to those people who are not related to you, but you feel closer to than any blood relative (or so I've been told).  If I had my life to do over again...  I would not change a thing!  I was (and am) so blessed in my life and have made so many great friends! 

One day, when I was feeling particularly brave, I decided to search the last name "Minton" on facebook.  I friended a few of them from Wichita and the surrounding area, but only got one response.  I met a very nice man named John Minton.  I explained my situation to him and he let me know I was not his sister.  I was okay with that.  If God wants me to find people, I'll find them. 

I'm so glad I made a new friend!  John is a terrific singer and he makes YouTube videos of his adventures in the wild.  He loves nature and is most comfortable outdoors.  I've subscribed to his videos and watch the new ones as they come out.  John's channel is 7344 Wild.  I invite you to take a look at his videos.  I like his Elvis impression the best.  I go watch it when I need to laugh! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOKqh6FhbaM&feature=share&list=UUfFNIzurOFV1TxL29E7xUUA 

So, if John had been my brother that would explain my craziness - it would have been something in my genetic make-up.  As it is, I'm still a victim of my environment.  I can blame all of my nut cake behavior on my adoptive parents!  They would not be shocked by that - believe me!  My poor parents got blamed for a lot of things throughout my life! 

The friends I have on facebook are more like family to me.  Between the Diabetic Online Community (DOC), John, Lucinda, and assorted special groups I have joined, I feel as though I am part of a very large family!  I stay in touch with groups about Diabetes, Dyslexia, Grief and some Christian groups.  By the time I work on my blog, read other people's blogs and interact with my blog's facebook group, then chat with people in these other groups - wow - the day goes by quickly!  God has put so many neat people in my path, and it is my personal mission in life to be as encouraging to them as possible.

In my effort to encourage others, a very strange thing happens...  I find that I am the one who walks away feeling strengthened and encouraged!  Iron sharpens Iron.  Friends are so very important, aren't they?

So, John - I'm sorry we're not related, but I'm sure not sorry we met!  God Bless you, my not brother!!!

Here's John walking along the Santa Fe Lake trails.
http://youtu.be/OWlz-Ir6eEA

Have a very happy Brothers and Sisters Day (or in my world it's called "Friends who are closer than brothers or sisters Day")!!!

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