You know, in the past week, each of my four girls have said "I love you daddy" in a way that conveyed more meaning than a mere passing comment. I've been getting kisses (on the cheek) and hugs and general greatness from these girls. A couple of times I even got additional information like, "I enjoy talking to you" and "You and mom can be like friends and you treat us like people."
They are weirdos, no doubt, and some of the things they say and do would be off-putting to some adults, most certainly. But, all in all, they do talk to us about the things that matter, telling us about things that are going on in their lives, and asking questions that teenagers want to know the answers to (well, they ask Judy those questions but still).
Yesterday was an extraordinary example. I told Judy last night, "If, ten years ago, I had been given a peek into this family from today's conversations, I would not have believed it was possible. I probably would have been very concerned." Baht was getting fairly ghetto and she and AJ were mock-lovers-quarreling. It was better than most TV. Imaginative, a bit raunchy and palin old manic. It was amazing.
Strange where life leads you. I wouldn't change where we are today as a family (spiritually, emotionally, or philosophically) for even the best days of the past.
Better yet, I have come to truly admire, respect, and love my dad. After taking the time to try to understand the context of life as it was when he was a child, I have come to not only appreciate but be in awe of how amazing that man is. I miss him and wish I could see him again soon. There is not one ouce of me that is not proud to be his son. And there is not one thing that I would change about him. (Mom was right all along. I was just too stupid to listen.)
Yeah, life is good.
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