My son's wedding

I haven't seemed to have time for much posting, or art, or reading, or much of anything for that matter.

My eldest son (step) is getting married THIS Saturday! Of my three step-kids, he is the last to get married. Wasn't it just last week that I was cleaning up vomit as his little round face pouted with fever and wasn't it just yesterday that we sat at the kitchen table with a distraught little boy trying to learn the math principles? They grow up so quick, don't they?

His brother, now married for almost 3 years, has two children. His sister, now married a month, with a step-daughter of her own. The eldest is the last to get married and now he too, will be a step-Dad of two.

All three of them were raised in our home and I hope every day that I have given them a good base, or example, of what being a "good" step-parent is all about. About never trying to "replace" their parent, but being close to them and there for them at every turn, on THEIR terms, when they...are ready. About never disgracing or belittling their natural parent. About the balance that is needed in not being "too strong" with them and yet not allowing yourself to be walked on....because of. I hope they see that it's about being in it for the long haul and albeit kids may not understand things in their young years, when they grow up, they will see how much you love them. They will see what a blessing and honor it has been to have those kids in their lives. And despite calling you by your name, when you overhear the conversation with their friends, and you are refer ed to as "Mom", or you get that phone call of desperation, needing your advise, or they get that hug that lasts that extra three seconds with a "thank you" or an "I love you".... that it all comes full circle.

I've made a lot of mistakes. I regret a lot of things. I have made a poor example in some areas of my life.... but these are the things I can only pray that I have taught..... my children.

Now the youngest.... "our" son.... He's 11 and I'm locking him up in a closet until he's 40. That's not considered abuse is it? I'll still feed him, I promise!!