The Remaining Six on Siblings Day

This is the gang I grew up with, minus my oldest brother, Buck, who died of a heart attack, and David, who died in an accident at 24.

From the left, we have me, Sandy (an executive coach and speaker), Patti Barretta (retired 2nd grade teacher), Paul (automotive entrepreneur), Judy Colley (real estate) and Becky Williams (retail sales).

We are spread out in Tennessee, North Carolina and Virginia and rarely get together When we do, the laughter shakes the building. We grew up poor (except for Patti, who was raised as part of another family) and I think we all gained a great deal from that, especially with a mother who has a bell-ringer of a sense of humor.

It was never easy when I was a kid, especially after my dad died when I was 13, but we did have a good time and I'm thankful for each of these brothers/sisters.