Love on a Two-Way Street

Her Journal Dear Journal, I had lunch with Bernie and her Sister-Circle today. I never realized that I push my wishes and desires on my sister when it comes to her relationships. As much as my actions are driven by my love for her, I realize that the impact is the part that is both painful and unfair to her. Besides, Big Mama is the best example of loving a person and allowing them to grow in their own way and time. She never pushed us, she simply listened and made suggestions, then left it to us to work out the details. I would have never owned up to my behavior if Diane had not explained it in such simple terms and if I hadn’t seen Bernie’s strong reaction. When we say that we want the best for the people we love, we also have to learn and accept the fact that the person has to ultimately decide upon and define the term “best.” Sheila was her usual crazy self. I’m glad that Bernie has such a good support circle both personally and business-wise, especially during these turbulent economic times. She seems so happy and I think that Charles is simply a bi-product of what is going on inside of her. She has every right to be happy and proud of the fact that her business is surviving and she’s still able to live out her dream of doing her passion work. I have to say that I’m pretty darn proud of her too. Rusty’s mother, Cille, had left a message on the machine today to remind us that Sunday dinner is at their house this week. Rusty’s sister Tamara, his Aunt Maggie and her daughter Vivian surprised them and flew into town for a few days, so she wants to make dinner really special for them. She said that Rusty’s father, Percy is pretty grumpy because he and his sister Maggie never really got along. Tamara lives in New York, but stays away because her parents don’t agree with her Alternative Lifestyle. Aunt Maggie and Vivian live in Mississippi, for some reason they’ve also been pretty distant from the family for years. Cille just wanted to give us a heads-up before we get there on Sunday. His Thoughts I’m glad my baby is still awake this late. She and Janay are watching a movie and eating popcorn so I think I’ll join them. I don’t know how Angel thought I was going to react when she told me that Tamara, Aunt Maggie and Vivian were in town. I mean, why are they here anyway? They must want something. There goes my weekend! I know they better not ask me for a dime or I’m going off. I’ll really go off if they ask Mama for a thing. I don’t have to worry about Daddy because he’s not going to give them anything. Tamara chose to live her life with another woman and I’ve accepted it. I’m not proud of the fact that my daughter hasn’t grown up around my only sister, but I told her not to ever come around my daughter with that stuff. I didn’t want her confusing my child. I’m also not proud of the fact that Angel and I have been together for three years and she’s never met my sister. Aunt Maggie is just crazy and I’ve never liked the fact that she’s always been rude to Mama. I don’t know what she and Daddy have been fighting about all these years and I really don’t care because of the way she acts. Anyway, let me just forget about their crazy behinds. I only have to spend one afternoon with them and I’m only doing it because Mama would have a fit if I didn’t show up. I’m going to call Gerald and tell him that they’re here. Maybe he knows what they’re up to since he and Tamara talk all the time. Maybe I can talk him into surprising Mama and Daddy and flying into town for a few days too. That will do wonders for Sunday Dinner and it would help everyone get along. Gerald has always been the peace-keeper in the family and I don’t want those other fools upsetting Mama in her own house. I feel like I’m coming down with the flu or something. My throat is sore and my body is aching. I think I had a fever last night. I came home early and got in the bed, which meant that Angel and I missed our date night. I made myself go to work this morning and kept it moving to the other job when I got off from the hospital. I think I’ll just let the crew work tomorrow and I’ll just stay in bed all day so I can get better. Angel is really going to be shocked because she usually has to make me take off.