The Sole Witness?

Ever since I was baptized about 6 years ago, I have always believed that I was the only Witness in my entire family. It was not until in a fairly recent conversation with my mom did I realize that there was a possibility of other Witnesses being in the family. Mom started to tell me about how a particular member in the family had gotten into a serious car accident and that he was 'knocking at death's door". Mom said that what made matters worse was the fact that he needed a blood transfusion and he had refused to have one. What really amazed everyone was that he had a full recover, mom said. I had begged mom to provide me with the information regarding these family members so that I could get in contact with them. Much time passed and mom did not provide me with the information. So, when I went to California in March, I asked mom to get the information for me. It was not until I went to Texas the following month when mom called me with exciting news. She left me a voice mail message providing me with Roberta Wherry's telephone number. Bursting with excitement, I thanked Jehovah and called mom to thank her and then I phoned the number that mom had given me. Jody Wherry answered, the son of Roberta Wherry and told me that his parents where at the assembly and that he was going to go next weekend. I briefly explained to him who I was and how I got the information and he promised to give his parents the message so that when they returned, Roberta or her husband Herman would be able to call me.

Soon thereafter, I received a message from Roberta. I shouted, as Norma was driving, "SHE CALLED!" Roberta called! When we got to our destination for one of the many rehearsals for the wedding, I phoned Roberta. She was so kind and I could hear in her voice that she too was excited. We connected the dots as far as finding out exactly how the Wherry Family is related to the Corley family. We are related through marriage. My great aunt on my mom's side married into the Wherry family. So, before we ended our conversation, we set a date for me to drive to Wichita Falls, TX.

It was about two weeks before I was able to leave for Wichita Falls. I got lost as always, of course with Mapquest directions. But thankfully, Roberta and Herman came to my rescue and I followed them to their home. It was a very exciting and emotion time for me. I always wanted to have someone in the family I could share my excitement about the ministry. Being one of Jehovah's Witnesses has allowed me to be part of a worldwide family. But for some reason, I still felt empty. Some friends have suggested that I get married to fill that void. Well although appreciated, we can see that I did not follow that advice. :-)

Unfortunately, I was only able to stay overnight because I had to get back in time for Norma's wedding and for some of the commitments I had also made related to the wedding. However, my time with the Wherry's was well spent. Roberta had written down a list of all the family members that are witnesses along with their contact information. Based on that information, we also have family in Houston, TX and in Oklahoma. As an added bonus, many of the family members that live in Wichita Falls came to Roberta's house to enjoy a wonderful feast she and others prepared. I loved everything I ate....hush puppies, fried chicken, beans, potato salad, desserts... the list goes on.

What made this extra special, I got to take a picture with Roberta's mother who is 100 years old and who is one of our sisters. WOW!!!! I will be on this wonderful spiritual high for a very long time.

You may be wondering, who was the one in the accident. Well, it was one of Herman's and Roberta's sons, Vincent. I took pictures of this whole even but none of them came out. Although I don't have any tangible photos to share at the moment, I look forward to taking a lot of photos in the future.

Jehovah knows his servants intimately and wants the best for us. I can not articulate my gratitude to Jehovah for this spiritual and very tangible blessing. Not only do I have an incredibly wonderful spiritual family, but many of my family members are too. Although, we are closer to the end than we think, Jehovah still allows a little bit more time so that perhaps more of my family will come to know how truly awesome our God is, Jehovah.