My Two Dads

No, I'm not talking about the 80's sitcom, I was lucky enough to really have two great men who helped to raise me. And they looked mighty handsome walking me down the aisle, if I do say so myself.

Being the product of a blended, unblended, reblended (you get the idea) family, I feel so blessed that amidst all the chaos of marriage, divorce, step-parents and everything in between, I had many people who truly loved me. Of course, my mom worked hard to raise my sister and I as a single mom much of the time. The sacrifices she made are numerable. Last year, I wrote about her and only being able to understand the love of a mother after you are a mother yourself. This year, in honor of Father's Day, I decided to pay tribute to my two dads.

My real dad- Papa Steve (as his adoring grand kids call him) far left in picture:

Papa Steve is always the life of the party. I can't remember one family reunion, picnic, summer vacation where he wasn't a main source of excitement. He taught us how to enjoy the simple pleasures of life- family, games, nature. He loves to tease, get everyone involved, and just plain have a good time. My dad really loves his family. He made sure we were connected to our grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, no matter what it took- be it money or a 24 hour drive. He taught me that quality time together didn't have to be an expensive trip to Disneyland or a trip to Hawaii, but that a simple rope swing and a swim in a creek would lead to more treasured memories than anyone could imagine. On top of always having a good time, my dad is HARD WORKER. He turned 60 on Wednesday, and he still works harder than any 20 or 30 year old he has on staff. He often works all night long then after only a couple hours of sleep makes sure that he comes and visits our kiddos because he knows he won't be here for long. Our kids LOVE their Papa Steve. Dad, thanks for always being there to teach us the life is too short not to enjoy.

My step-dad- Goober or Papa CC- far right in picture:

Really CC has been a part of my life since I've lived in Bakersfield, though I think we really solidified our bond when I was around 4th/5th grade- that's when my mom and CC got married. CC has really been a rock, a solid foundation for me. CC doesn't react emotionally and I think I really needed a level headed thinker growing up. He always made me feel special and loved. Be it our daily dates to Lorene's, going to the car lots and scouting cars with him, or just hanging out, he ALWAYS had time to spend with me. We never felt like we didn't belong or he didn't want us; he loved us unconditionally and that's rare with a step-parent. Even after my mom and him divorced, he would pick my sister and I up to take us to dinner or come over to swim. When my sister was having some teenager issues, he even let her come back and live with him. Another marriage and divorce later, he's still our dad- always will be. I really think that speaks volumes about his character and his genuine love for us. Cc is NEVER too busy for our kids and willingly watches them for us when we need him to (diapers included). Our kids LOVE their Papa CC. Goober, thanks for always being a solid foundation for me to depend on.