I just got a surprise conference-call from my youngest daughter and son. My youngest daughter, (from my second marriage), was always with me, and her mom and I split when she was 3 1/2 ... my son was from my first marriage, (almost three years older), and I fought for custody of him from the time of that divorce, finally winning when he was eight.
I was so apprehensive when he came, especially about how they would get along, especially being from different moms. Well, they were so close from day one ... he adored her, always looked out for her, and they are best friends to this day. (My oldest daughter was much older when I seperated from her mom, and very close to her, so I did not try to take her from where she wanted to be - she was much older than my son also, so they were never very close).
Anyway ... we did everything together, and we called ourselves the Three Musketeers. I won't ever claim to be a perfect father, in fact I never even came close, and looking back I would do many things differently ... but when I look at the amazing people they have turned into, (and despite often questioning my purpose in this world), I know there is at least one thing I did that came out OK.
Well, they just called me to tell me how much they appreciate all I did ... that they realize in many ways I had to be a mom and a dad, and that they never took that for granted. They have since re-connected with their moms, and have a great and growing relationship with them, (which I am very thankful for), but they wanted me to know that they will always appreciate me for being the one that raised them ... and the one that sometimes had to take both roles. Wow.
I was so touched that I wanted to come on here and share them with all of you ... but more importantly to say I appreciate ALL kinds of moms. Some kids are raised by their grandparents, some by their real parents, some by aunts or uncles, some by foster parents, some by adoptive parents, and even more ... and sometimes the role of "mom" is filled by many different types, not just the traditional, and this day should be for all of them. God bless you all for being a mom ... and sharing in the greatest joy, role, "job", and privelege on earth!
And to Brandon and Alyssa ... thank you both for teaching me what life and love and understanding and sacrifice are all about. I would not be on this earth without you ... and I love you with all I am, or ever will be.
