Markymark
BSB Addict
In a recent threadabout Sunday Work, several people mentioned the blessings of family life. This started me thinking. One of the most preciuos aspects of "family life" is the absolute joy that is part of raising children.
After Rifle so kindly shared some of his observations on the beauty of family life, I felt the urge to add a few lines of my own.
I never intended to become a dad. In fact, I thought it was my karma to become a Father, as in Father Mark, local catholic priest. And so I planned my life. But God, in His infinite love, found another job for me.
After I came out in seminary, I was, of course, dismissed, and so I returned home to complete my college studies and grad work. Through family, I became aware of a great business opportunity, and ended up buying a small 8 unit apartment complex, in an average neighborhood of downtown Sacramento. Within weeks, I had met two women, (sisters) who were in trouble with the law over drug issues, and who both needed a place for their stuggling families. Despite warnings from many folks, I chose to allow both women to pick out apartments, and move in. Before long, the children were running amok, and the sisters were incarcerated for rehab. What do you do with six children, no parents and no help? You make lemonade. I petitioned the court, got temporary custody, and put the kids back in school. Eventually, both of the women died and their remaining family rejected the kids, who by now were firmly entrenched in my heart. The court, not caring that I was gay, granted permanent irrevocable custody, meaning the family could not "change their minds" without serious cause, and wished me well, along with offers for all kinds of social welfare help. About this time was when I realized, with a good laugh, that God HAD wanted me to be a father, just not the kind I thought he wanted! Good one, God. At least You have a sense of humor!
The years have passed, the memories have gathered, and life for all of us has been pretty incredible. Then six yeas ago today, 3/31/2003, I met the man of my dreams in a chat room for gay dads. He took one look at all my "baggage", and basically said, "Need a hand?" The wedding was performed by a member of the clergy of the Reformed Dutch Catholic Church, sealed by the state of california, and blest by the presence of many loving children, grandchildren and dear freinds! As Paul Harvey would have said, ..."and now you know the REST of the story"
Thanks for listening. Now I'll shut up for awhile and let the young ones chat a bit!
After Rifle so kindly shared some of his observations on the beauty of family life, I felt the urge to add a few lines of my own.
I never intended to become a dad. In fact, I thought it was my karma to become a Father, as in Father Mark, local catholic priest. And so I planned my life. But God, in His infinite love, found another job for me.
After I came out in seminary, I was, of course, dismissed, and so I returned home to complete my college studies and grad work. Through family, I became aware of a great business opportunity, and ended up buying a small 8 unit apartment complex, in an average neighborhood of downtown Sacramento. Within weeks, I had met two women, (sisters) who were in trouble with the law over drug issues, and who both needed a place for their stuggling families. Despite warnings from many folks, I chose to allow both women to pick out apartments, and move in. Before long, the children were running amok, and the sisters were incarcerated for rehab. What do you do with six children, no parents and no help? You make lemonade. I petitioned the court, got temporary custody, and put the kids back in school. Eventually, both of the women died and their remaining family rejected the kids, who by now were firmly entrenched in my heart. The court, not caring that I was gay, granted permanent irrevocable custody, meaning the family could not "change their minds" without serious cause, and wished me well, along with offers for all kinds of social welfare help. About this time was when I realized, with a good laugh, that God HAD wanted me to be a father, just not the kind I thought he wanted! Good one, God. At least You have a sense of humor!
The years have passed, the memories have gathered, and life for all of us has been pretty incredible. Then six yeas ago today, 3/31/2003, I met the man of my dreams in a chat room for gay dads. He took one look at all my "baggage", and basically said, "Need a hand?" The wedding was performed by a member of the clergy of the Reformed Dutch Catholic Church, sealed by the state of california, and blest by the presence of many loving children, grandchildren and dear freinds! As Paul Harvey would have said, ..."and now you know the REST of the story"
Thanks for listening. Now I'll shut up for awhile and let the young ones chat a bit!
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