I married Don in 1992. I had 3 children then; Bridget was 17, Jacquie was 12, and Paxton was 7. Don had one daughter, Piper, and she was 10. Don and I dated for 2 years before we got married, so we thought we knew what we were getting into. We took all 4 children on a 16 hour train ride to Chicago. That was quite a test. Actually, we almost decided that this blend might not work, so we broke up for a couple of weeks after that. Everything actually went well on the trip and Don was very helpful with Paxton, who was only 5 then. But of course it was obvious that all of us living together would be a lot of hard work.
Most second marriages with children do often end in divorce. But Don and I decided that we would not fight over our children. Each of us would do the best we could to treat them all equal and as parents we would stick together. When things really get bad, I like to close my eyes and say, "This too shall pass." It is true. Often times the biggest mistake I make is trying to make something right instead of just staying calm and letting it work out.
Don takes being a father as a huge responsibility. Being a teacher, I had to miss some for the children's school functions, but Don would go to their Halloween dress-up party and etc. He saw that his daughter and my youngest 2 had what they needed to get through college. Paxton and Jacquie got TOPS scholarships, but Don paid their room and board. When my children got married, Don split the "father's" cost with their father.
Don really loves that Bridget and her family live just one house from us. The grandchildren are a part of our everyday lives. They don't have those "step" feelings. He is their grampa and Bridget's dad is their papa. It seems normal to them to have so many men in their lives that love them.
As a mother and his wife, I am so glad for all that Don has done for me and the four children. Love you! Happy Father's Day everyday.
Most second marriages with children do often end in divorce. But Don and I decided that we would not fight over our children. Each of us would do the best we could to treat them all equal and as parents we would stick together. When things really get bad, I like to close my eyes and say, "This too shall pass." It is true. Often times the biggest mistake I make is trying to make something right instead of just staying calm and letting it work out.
| Don and Piper Don and Chase |
Don really loves that Bridget and her family live just one house from us. The grandchildren are a part of our everyday lives. They don't have those "step" feelings. He is their grampa and Bridget's dad is their papa. It seems normal to them to have so many men in their lives that love them.
As a mother and his wife, I am so glad for all that Don has done for me and the four children. Love you! Happy Father's Day everyday.