I watched it begin to crumble.

A few years ago I noted the bricks that had fallen from your structure.

After my relentless questions, I under stood that you were under fire. I also knew you would protect yourself and do all you could to fortify your stronghold.

Caring for each other always came naturally as did sharing those things that hurt us to the core.

We talked of ways to reinforce, to rebuilt and make it better.

Each year I noted the decay.

We openly talked about renovations and solutions.

We always had hope.

Last year I saw the cracks in the foundation. I knew the writing was on the proverbial wall.

We talked, we screamed, we cried, we prayed.

Sometimes even the oldest and the strongest of the structures must be torn down.

We can’t keep making repairs when no one helps with the leaks.

We have to know when it’s time to rebuild on our own.

We have to know we will stand by each other.

Brick by brick.