Honor and Love to a Family That I Look Up To

Every person, every family, and every friendship has problems. Some issues are worse than others, and not everyone will understand. I have my fair share and so does my family.

There is no secret that I had, have, and will always have a bond of brotherly love and friendship with Bernard Owens. There was a big chunk of time where we did not communicate; not because of personal issues between us or a falling out, but because of consequences not related to our friendship.

When I was young, Bernard’s mom was the best, and the only other person who came close to her was Bernard’s grandma. In fact, the entire Owens family was really nice to me, and for that I will always have love and respect for them.

Since the time of my reconnection with Bernard, I have had the privilege to meet and talk with Vicky, Bernard’s wife. She is a true gem and one of the strongest people that I know. In all honesty, I don’t personally know her all that well, but it is easy to see who she is.

Vicky is funny, sarcastic, beautiful, nice, smart, strong, and loves her family more than words can describe.

I will not say that I have agreed with all of Bernard’s decisions in life, or that we were always on the same page when it came to things. We didn’t have to be; that was part of what made our friendship work. However, I do agree whole-heartily with his decision to marry Vicky and come forth with a beautiful family of their own.

Like I said, I don’t know Vicky all that well. I know part of her story, and some of the issues that she has gone through, but I am not going to pretend to understand her life. I do know that her decision to be in Bernard’s life and raise their family has been hard and glorious at the same time. She is the definition of what a good wife, a good mother, and a good friend is; and nobody can ever take that away from her. Nobody…those are her badges of honor.

I’m a person who is seeing the Owens family from the outside looking in through social media and limited conversations. There have been some bad calls in their game of life, but it doesn’t break them. They have an honor that others can’t or don’t understand.

Bernard is my family. Vicky is my family (even if she doesn’t know it yet).

In fact, next time that I am in the Yakima Valley, I’m going to ask Bernard’s folks to adopt me (officially or unofficially, just as long as there is food…ideally BBQ).

I’d make a good Owens. I could be that cousin that no one talks about, or the forgotten brother who you can hear walking in the attic when there isn’t supposed to be an attic. 

Much love Owens family!!!!