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[myeyesaintblue]

Ed and Hank

Just horsin' around...

**NOTE:  This is what Hank was going to post in late December - but then he got interrupted by some really wonderful news so he posted about that first.  So this post is very late, but here it is anyways. And here's hoping it makes you all smile a week after a very sad anniversary.

Disclaimer: Hank told their

Comments

thanks guys

[joetheone]

It was appropriate I read that today. Not sure if you knew but me and my ex had two girls they were 9 and 7 when I met him and he and I were together 13 years. Pat and I have been together 19 and the girls now have kids of their own sadly one lives in Chicago and the other lives in Columbus but they came to town last Wednesday thru yesterday to spend Christmas with me. So I still had all the trimmings up until today. I know they are not truly my kids but my ex is passed away and all and well, their children call me grandpa so I guess they are mine and all I did walk them both down the isle when they got married and love them to death. Always hard on Pat knowing I had this other life and all, but he handles it with grace like he always does. It is true kids are special and I was one of the lucky ones. Oh back in 1982 my ex and I had to fight the system to keep them but we did and it was worth it. Hard fight to do since my ex was a party boy and loved his booze. But, I did what I could for those two and they tell me all the time I gave them a great childhood. I wish I could have done better and I do think of the hard times when I struggled to put gifts under the tree each year somehow I managed but I don't forget that like you don't and try and give as much as I can each year to help those struggling like I did. Luckily I don't struggle so hard anymore and the girls appreciate things and they are teaching their kids to appreciate the simple things as well, they all could be spoiled rotten but we are trying to teach values The youngest made me some really nice homemade things and they mean the world to me and I will cherish them until the day they throw dirt on me. It is a great time of year and we have to try and carry it through the entire year that sense of love and giving. Thank you for giving us this wonderful gift. Sharing in your life the way you have. Joe

Re: thanks guys

[myeyesaintblue]

I didn't know you and your ex had two girls - I'm so glad you're still in contact with them and their children - How wonderful to be a grandpa too!. And I'm sure you were a wonderful father to them as well - they are very lucky to have you in their lives. I'm glad you fought the system and won back when it was very difficult to do so. And I'm sure the kids are glad you fought for them as well. And kudos to Pat for dealing with something that is hard on him with such grace. Thank you so much for sharing your life as well. Hug those kids and grandkids for us next time you get the chance!