Dedicated to the memory of
Deacon Oscar Manual (1927-2008)

Photo courtesy of Paedams Photography ©2008

''The race is not given to the swift nor the strong but to those who endureth to the end.'' Ecclesiastes 9:11

I want to discuss "Family". Webster defines "Family" as:
1. a. A fundamental social group in society typically consisting of one or two parents and their children.
b. Two or more people who share goals and values, have long-term commitments to one another, and reside usually in the same dwelling place.
2. All the members of a household under one roof.
3. A group of persons sharing common ancestry.

(My definition of "Family" is "Love"-"Unconditional Love".)

I am an only child and as a I grew up I longed to have brothers and sisters. After my brother died shortly after his birth my mother stopped having children and therefore I was alone. However, my mom had 13 siblings and every last one of them are nuts. My mom was what they called the black sheep of the family and she at times considers it to be a curse she should thank God for the Blessing. Her brothers and sisters fought about anything and everything. They say they love one another but I don't see it. They are constantly judging one another and if I didn't know any better I would say that they are descendants of "Judas". They are consistently betraying one another. My poor mom is so torn. She misses her sisters but by the way they treat her I know she is better off not having anything to do with them and as for her brothers (wow) words cannot begin to describe them. It's just that bad. However, I am not trying to go into my family burdens. The reason I want to discuss family is because I attended a funeral and I was disgusted with how the family didn't care about the man that laid in the casket. He was their father, step-father, grandfather, great grandfather and husband. This was a Christan man and yes he had his faults; but none to the degree that would make his family disrespect him in the manner they did. There was no grief or sorrow. Hell, I'm wondering why did they bother showing up. Especially his grandson he adored so much. He was the most disrespectful. He practically smiled during the entire service and at the cemetery while the Preacher was giving the last words before putting this poor man into the ground....The entire family talked and paid no attention to this man's last time on this earth. I was hurt and disgusted because I have personally known this man for many years and he loved his family especially his grandson. My point is why bother if this is how they felt. Therefore, Deacon Oscar Manual I dedicate this to you and know that I will remember you for the life you led good and bad. Most of all that you are child of God and did not deserve the way your family did not celebrate your life instead they discarded you as if you were yesterday's trash. God Bless You and as for the family of Deacon Manual "SHAME ON YOU".