Emmett

I just received an incredible answer to prayer....actually, it's a prayer I gave up on quite a while ago. I have an older brother (1/2 brother to be technical, but we consider ourselves brother and sister) Emmett. Emmett is 44 and has spent a good part of his adult life addicted to drugs. He had a great little family in his 20s and worked the oil rigs in Alberta. He made lots of money but was away from his family a lot. To make a long story short, he spent his money on drugs and fell into an awful cycle of dependency. Eventually his marriage ended. He's been to every rehab centre in the book. He borrowed money from me once when I was pregnant with Maddie. I knew I shouldn't give him any, but I was scared for his life. The panic in his voice was real when he told me how badly he needed the money. The next time he phoned I said "no" and shamed him by telling him he didn't even ask how I was...did he realize I was 8 months pregnant. There was silence on the other end of the line and I didn't hear from him again. That was until my nephew's funeral about a year later. He sheepishly asked my forgiveness and promised to repay me the money. I knew he wasn't sincere. I could tell he was still using. I haven't heard from him since. My other siblings have given me reports on him so I know he has been clean for quite a while now. But still, I hadn't hear from him....until today. He emailed me...my sister must have passed on my address...here's what he says.....

Hello little sister
Long time since I have talked to you and the mind is clear now so I
figured I had best go out and mend some fences. Okay snap out of it and get
off the floor, yes your big brother can type. I took typing in high school ,
also cooking. I tell everyone it was to be next to the girls but I believe
it was for Nana. As a young boy she would talk to me lots as we spent time
in the kitchen while the older kids were at school. I remember her telling
me that a man should be able to look after the home and not just go to work.
Seems like yesterday, yet it was 40 years ago. Time flys,probably even
faster for me as I spent a few years without my head attached. Must admit
that one semester of typing 30 years ago only makes this a bit easier. How
is everyone? I imagine that you are busy as growing children keep a person
going. We drove out to Sara and Sanders home for Christmas and the other
girls and the five grandchildren joined us there. It was nice but they can
have the prairies. Now that I am back in the Kootenays I find it hard to
believe I spent 17 years out there. I'm up in the N.W.T. working at the
Ekati mine. I work 4 in and 2 out. Will be home in 2 wks. as I'm half done
my shift. Shannon might be able to come out with the boys on my days off,
depends on her fruit flys she said.[some genetic thing for school] I told
here just to gas the little pests then the experiment will be done. I guess
I have to get going and get some stuff done. Hugs for you all,will keep in
touch from now on. Miss you.
Love
Emmett

Well, I could be cynical and say, "Sure, you'll keep in touch," but I think I'll consider this a new beginning. You see, I love Emmett dearly. He always took time for me when I was little. When I was in band and on our trip, he drove several hours to Edmonton to see me for a few minutes.
He would give me his last dime if I needed it...without hesitation. I'm going to pray he stays clean...I know it's hard but maybe God can touch his heart and heal him. Thanks God...what a neat answer to a prayer I had stopped praying.