- I thought I would go ahead and start posting for Father’s Day. I love Dads and have a lot to say on the subject. I got an opportunity a lot of children in this world do not get. I was given a second chance at having a Daddy. My biological father was not much of a presence in my childhood. He was usually absent, and when he was around, I was left wondering when he would leave again. If he was there, he was usually telling me what I wanted to hear, but also for his own gain. What 5 year old wouldn’t go get you another beer at the promise of a pony, right? He taught me how to distrust others, smoke a cigarette, and draw lines of cocaine. Needless to say, he just wasn’t cut out for being a Dad.
- I still remember looking through the window at the stranger picking up my Mom for a date. My cousin teased me saying, “He’s a werewolf and he’s gonna eat your Mom!” I almost believed him. The man was indeed kind of hairy, and he was huge, with big muscles showing through his t-shirt. He didn’t eat her, and she even let him come back around. He was nice to me, and taught me funny tricks. He took me to see Super Girl at the drive-in and bought me a pack of freshen-up gum for making the honor roll. I especially liked that he made my Momma smile. I had caught her crying too many times. I didn’t mind at all when Mom told me she wanted to marry him. She asked my permission. She told me that he had asked, but she wouldn’t do it if I didn’t want her to. She also told me that it wouldn’t change my relationship with her. She seemed more concerned over how I felt about it than I was! I liked the guy. They got married, and I even got to be in the wedding as a flower girl. I really grew to love that hairy werewolf. I once asked him if he’d buy me a pony. He said, “I’m sorry baby. I can’t afford that.” I was so happy! He passed that test with flying colors. My biological father had always packed up his backpack when he left us, so when I discovered the backpack in their closet, I was scared. I timidly asked him about it. He told me I could have it! I was pleased, but just to be on the safe side, I poured out a bottle of Elmer’s glue in the bottom. I didn’t want him to leave too.
- I remember Mom coming to me one day, and saying she had an important question for me. She wanted to know how I would feel about her husband, Michael, becoming my Daddy. She told me I didn’t have to do it, but he really wanted to adopt me. I didn’t need any time to think it over. I thought it was a great idea! Initially, my biological father seemed uncertain if he wanted to give up his parental rights. That winter I had a seizure and was diagnosed with epilepsy. When the medical bills began to filter in, he decided that giving me up for Michael to adopt was in his best interest. I often wonder if God gave me epilepsy just for that reason. God knew I needed an earthly Father in my life, and He put everything in motion for me to have the best one of all. After I became an adult, Daddy told me how the judge pushed him hard to make sure he understood what he was getting into. He told him the hardest job a man could do was take care of another man’s child. He wanted to make certain he was sure of his decision. He was. He has never made me feel like he regretted it, and instead has always made me feel like his flesh and blood daughter. I often wonder how my life might have turned out if it hadn’t been for my Daddy. I don’t think about it long though. Instead I just thank God for him.
That is all 🙂
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[…] a good picture of my Dad’s character before going any further. You can find the first part here. When my Mother passed away, it was a hard time for us all. It was especially difficult on my Dad. […]
Anna says
Oh Brie. How wonderful. This is my favorite. 🙂
Brie says
Thank you. Some people can focus only on the negative. I’ll choose the positive any day.