Stepping Up

It seems like I write so much about my father in June, and I'm sure that you all get tired of reading about him. I miss him and life's not fair, but it is what it is, so suck it up and move on, right?

I try not to miss him too much. More than that, I try not to wallow.

Even more than that, I remind myself to be grateful.

For the time I had with the father I was given, and for the father I have left.

The thing about marriage is that it's for better or worse. And it's a package deal. You don't just marry your partner, you marry everyone else they bring along with them.

My husband brought this guy.


The only one with the real mustache in this picture is my father-in-law. The rest, pretending to have a sweet stache like Dad or Papa has.

Like a boss, I might say.

At this point, I've known this man for most of my life.

He went from being the cop/father of my boyfriend that I was a little bit terrified of to being the guy who poses for pictures like this because I ask him to. Then laughs.

Two years ago, he went from being my father-in-law to the father I have left.

I don't think there are enough words in the world for me to ever tell him how much his love and support has meant to me these past few years.

He's everything a father should be.

Patient, understanding, helpful. If I need him, he's there. No questions asked.

I've called in a few favors, and I am so very grateful there was someone on the other end of the line to answer.

Thanks, Dad.

I love you.

Here's a little Neil Diamond for you. I heard you saw him in concert once....