Happy Fathers Day!!!

It's Fathers Day everyone! Such a wonderful day. It makes me think about my father/s, and I want to spend a couple of minutes talking about each of them...

Roger - My Biological Father:
My mom got pregnant with me at a young age by a man several years older than her. I was a mistake. While I grew up knowing that I was adopted, it wasn't something that was ever discussed. When I was 19 or so I decided I wanted to meet Roger. The meeting was a little awkward. I mean, what do you say to your "real Dad" who never was in your life? After getting to know him and my two half-brothers, it still felt weird. I needed everyone on that side of the family to realize that I will never call Roger my dad. He wasn't there for me when I fell down and hurt myself, or when I was sad or happy, or anything. He was a nice guy that seemed like he had lived a hard life. I realized after meeting him how different my life would have been had he raised me. He has a completely different set of standards and view of life than my dad did, and I wouldn't have turned out to be the same person if he had really been my dad. I was appreciative to him for giving me life. I was glad that he didn't try to talk my mom into having an abortion. I was also glad for him staying away and not making me confused growing up. I hope the best for him and his family. But, he will always be Roger to me.

Steve - My Dad:
As an adult, I look back on what my Dad did when he adopted me at 2, and realize how tough that must have been. I wasn't his child, but he loved me like I was. Dad always instilled the need to be fair and balanced, and that the devil was in the details. I turned out to be just as stubborn and hard-headed as he is, and he made me the professional go-getter that I am. I owe alot to him, but I can't help but hold onto some hostility for the way that he treated my mom. He isn't a huge woman-fan. I don't speak to him anymore, and haven't seen him in years. It's unfortunate that the kids don't have a grandpa, but they have plenty of grandmas to go around. I do love my Dad, and hope he is doing well.

Dave - My Ex-Stepdad:
I wasn't a huge Dave fan, but he was a nice guy. He was willing to help everyone, and the kids loved him. I was relieved when Mom finally split up from him, because I thought she deserved better. I hope that Dave finds someone who will make him happy, as long as it isn't my mother.

Scott - My Mom's Boyfriend:
I like Scott. Scott is very sweet and very good to my mom. He works hard, he has good, strong morals, and he isn't a taker. I would welcome him to be my next Dad. It is kind of weird that he is the same age as my husband. I have a feeling that if he and my mom were to get married, I would see him more as a friend rather than a parent figure. I'm okay with that. Landon loves him. That makes me feel good too.

Rob - My Baby Daddy:
Robbie is a good Dad. I'm glad that I've given the kids a wonderful father figure. He is sensitive with Lauren in addition to being ultra-protective, and he snuggles with Landon, even when he is being very bad. He is wonderful to Gary and Amber (his other kids), and I love him for the way he parents. I'm hard on him to be a positive influence in the kids' lives, but I know that he does great on his own without my help. I think because his parents died when he was young, he has always wanted to have a big, happy family. He's got it! It's a circus around here with all the kids running around, but Rob takes it in stride. I love him more and more each day. I'm looking forward to the day when Lauren's first boyfriend comes over to take her out on a date. I sure wouldn't want to be that guy! Rob is going to scare the pants off of all of Lauren's dates, for sure!!!

Lawrence - My Grandpa Haymaker:
Grandpa is a good man. He's strong and good. Grandma and he are in love like a couple of teenagers. It's kind of gross, actually. In a sweet way, of course. Grandma tells the story about Brother Jones giving a sermon on "taking from the church" at Main Cross. Mike Doss dressed up like a burglar with a mask on to run into the church and pretend to rob it of the money in the offering plates. The other ushers had to hold Grandpa back from tackling the robber. It makes me so proud to have a fearless Grandpa who isn't afraid of anyone or anything. I love him, and I love having him for a Grandpa!

I've had a blessed life, and I am appreciative of everyone who has shaped me into the person I am today. Happy Fathers Day to you and yours!

-CGZ ;)