My first husband is the father to my sons. However,he is really only known as the 'sperm-donor', because he never tried to be a father. He was never there for the boys. He didn't attend their sporting events or their school events. And he lived in the same town. He has grandchildren now who don't like him and one who doesn't even know him. It is sad to think what he has missed out on. But I don't honor him either.
My current husband, Richard, became a real father to my sons. He took on a woman with two young kids. Kids without a dad. And he became their dad. He was strict. But generous. He was stern, but loving. He is 'the' FATHER to my boys. And I honor him today. Happy Father's Day Richard.
My sons are both fathers. My oldest is the father of the two grandchildren that I am raising. He has given up his responsibility towards his children. Drugs are more important. And that is sad. I cannot honor him. My youngest is a fantastic dad. He is divorced from his daughter's mother, but they parent her together. They call each other friends. The stand strong together. He also helps to father the two who live with me. I honor him. Happy Father's Day Justin.
The father to my 'adopted' four grandchildren,is Marvin. He is the perfect father. The father that I wish I had when I was growing up. He takes his kids everywhere with him. They go on camping trips...just him and four kids. Mom stays home. They love the zoo and the farm. And they visit often. I honor him. Happy Father's Day Marvin.
I have two brothers who are fathers. Happy Father's Day Chuck and Fred. My oldest brother, Chuck, filled in a father role for parts of my life. He walked me down the aisle the first time I married. (Maybe I should kick him for that one). He offers me advice now. Sometimes I listen. Most of the time it is good advice. Sometimes I just ignore him :) I honor them.
Happy Father's Day to all the fathers out there. Good or bad you played a role in your kid's life. And today is the day we honor you.
#30summerdays photo challenge...the prompt today is:
Happy Father’s Day! Snap a pic or share one of an awesome dad!
 |
| Richard |
 |
| Richard and me at Paige's graduation |
You said it well Paula...donating sperm does not a father make nor is it required for a man to be an upstanding and great father. Blood is only that....Love is what makes a family and creates parents. Happy Father's day to all the wonderful Fathers in your life.
ReplyDeleteThanks Wendy!
DeleteI think it's reassuring, your not allowing your biological dad's demons to become your own. I had to 'LOL' at your mention of giving Chuck a swift kick!
ReplyDeleteLove this first picture of your honey. His skin looks so incredibly soft and smooth! Happy Father's Day, Richard!
He is blessed with nice skin! Happy Father's day to the men in your life Myra!
DeleteI admire your strength and love the way you put it all in perspective. Happy Father's Day Richard. What a wonderful man. Hope you both have one of your good days.
ReplyDeleteHe is all of that and more Lisa. I am lucky to have him in my life. My boys are lucky he became their father. My grandchildren adore him like no other Papa has ever been adored.
DeleteThat's a lot of fathers in your life! I'm thankful that my dad never drank - at least, not to the point where it was a problem. Although I don't remember him drinking at all as a child... And I wish that I could be called "friends" with michael's father. We are not that - yet. Maybe one day though.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that my son and his ex can be friends. I wish they had gotten along this well when they were married
DeleteIt's funny how that sometimes happens.
DeleteYep, it is!
DeleteHappy Father's Day to your husband, Paula! So glad that he was a great father to your 2 boys and willing to take on that responsibility! I didn't know my dad since he died when I was 18 months old; mom never remarried, he was the love of her life and she also felt she didn't want to give the responsibility of raising another man's children to another guy so she pretty much didn't date after he passed.
ReplyDeletebetty
That is why I wanted a man without kids. I would not have wanted to be a step-mother to anyone. Two boys were enough!!
DeleteSad about your bad father experiences, but it looks like you've made up for it in other ways. Fathers are important. My daughters always remind me what a good father I was when they were growing up. I tried. Often it's a trial and error thing, but being there is the important part.
ReplyDeleteLee
Tossing It Out
Thank you for visiting Arlee. It is sad but there isn't a damn thing I can do about it. I would love to have a different experience with a father but it was not to be. I have to make the best of it.
Delete