The dream was so real to me. I could still feel the pain of my father's death and hear the words of my brother Bob. His reference to dad was delivered so nonchalantly that I almost missed it. When my heart finally recognized the words, my brain said, "Oh...now I see."

My brothers and I are incredibly close. I absolutely love and adore them. Being their big sister is something that I have always taken seriously, too seriously at times. To this day, I believe that it is my responsibility to make sure they feel connected and safe inside. But in that moment I felt that I had missed something crucial along the way, and that I had let my brother down. I wanted to cry because I knew that at that point, restoring Bob's sense of well-being was going to take more than a kiss and a piece of penny candy.

Sometimes those boys we loved, who are now grown men, need us to help them find emotional and spiritual closure. We all have missed opportunities --- things we didn't say or get to hear. But it is never too late to give, and today can be a new opportunity, if you let it. Is there a boy in your life who needs you? If so, then don't waste another moment. Act now because before you know it, those boys will be men.

Be a light in someone's life, and "gift" yourself today.

From my heart to yours,