Twenty years ago

Two women, two girls, and one inbetween in a house, knee deep in grief.  We’d lost our hero.  One guy likes my mom, “Do we want to see the rose parade floats?”

Sixteen years ago

Two people in love stand in a gazebo, a new family of seven is born.  Three teen girls wary of change think,  “Look out stepdad, we wont be told what to do!”

Fifteen years ago

One anxious teen, one calm stepdad.  Hands at ten and two, mini van flying forty five miles an hour down suburban streets, “Dont forget to cover the brake at yellow lights!”

Thirteen years ago

One high school grad, four more to go.  Shiny red car in the driveway  ready for adventure. Ten thousand miles later, broken down on the 405 he says, “You never put oil in this thing!?”

Ten years ago

One twenty something with zero dollars left.  Thousands of miles traveled but no where to go as she tries to start her life again.  The door is open, one bedroom at the top of the stairs can be hers, but “Only if you go to college!”

Six years ago

Seven passengers board a cruise ship, destination family fun!   Lobster and steak for dinner followed by five rounds of karaoke  enjoyed while sipping smuggled in alcohol.  Vacation Jeff asks, “Hey, has anyone tried the chocolate molten lava cake?”

Four years ago

Five bridesmaids, one bride  ready to be given away.  A beautiful wedding for $X dollars  so generously funded and made memorable.  The bride should have asked, “May we have a father daughter dance?”

Twenty years ago

I met my would be stepdad.  He filled the spots that were empty, he hung in there with us when we unleashed our teenage angst, and he continues to love us as his own.  Today to him I say, “Thanks for being a great dad.”