Ten years: Trials, tears and triumphs!

In 2006 as a wife and mother to a 12 year old girl, and boys 2 and 4 years of age, we found out that my husband had another daughter.  It was a little surprising.  But at that time I thought we stepped right into the proper course, two weeks later we packed up our little family and trekked from San Antonio up to Amarillo, Texas to attend his daughter’s high school graduation.  George Strait singing, “Amarillo by morning up from San Anton” chorusing through my mind during the drive.

I was somewhat nervous, meeting not only an 18 year old girl, her son and her whole family.  It was a good visit.  Plans were soon made for us to go on a vacation the next month.

To say I was ill equip to deal with the feelings, emotions and behavior of an older teenager was actually quite accurate.  There is not a one of us that would like to re-live that vacation for many reasons.  It was a time that ended poorly and to this day it is one of my regrets.

After many PRAYERS, when I say many I don’t mean once a month prayer.  I mean focused prayers regarding this situation.  My husband you see did not meet his father until he was 21-and there was no relationship after his meeting.  So you see there was an urgency to not repeat the mistakes of his father.  There was a need, desire and passion to do the right thing.

Little by little, one phone call, one visit, one message a relationship started to grow.  Many things have changed we are still no closer geographically then we were before.  But relationally we are family.  There is no doubt in my mind that the next 10 years will be greater than the last 10 years.

A few weekends ago we went to Amarillo from our current location in Kansas-no romantic song chorusing through my brain.  But the realization that after our vacation together 10 years ago-this is a miracle.  We have taken several mini trips but most of the communication is via text, Facebook, telephone and good old stamp on a card!  We have made a difference in each other’s lives.

Our desire to see her have faith in God is now very evident in her life.  Her commitment to her son and family is very true.  I hope she sees the commitment in my heart to her.  Because today I am proud to say she is MY daughter.  I love you Izzy!