Relationships

Today I feel especially grateful for my husband and his children.  He had seven children and I met most of them.  He wasn't proud of the fact that at times he wasn't the best dad/father but then there were the times, that he was, and there were many of those.  He had wonderful stories about his love for his children especially a daughter, Aubrey.  She lived with him for a while and did caregiving for him and he was so grateful to her and for her kindness.  I have just been thinking about the many talks we had about his children and what he would do differently if he had the chance.  It was during one of our talks that he expressed his desire to be sure all was right with his kids before he passed away.  He cared so much for them.

Three of his children were from one of the wives, Barbara.  He had some great memories with them.  I am not going to tell the stories except to say he was so proud of Stephanie going to school and during some difficult times and he had constant thoughts about Brittany going on a mission and serving the Lord.  He spoke of those things often and they were dear to his heart.  

Kelly was responsible with his persistence, of my son, Blaine and I reconnecting.  He had such deep convictions that the time for us being estranged should come to an end and he made it happen.  The gratitude for that is deeper than I could ever put into words.  He was also so good and such a good example of what a father could and should be to my daughter, Ambur.  She did caregiving for him while I worked from time to time and they got along so well, they sometimes had the same sense of warped humor and they had some really good times together.  After his death, I worked hard at having relationships with his grandson who he also loved dearly, 'Little Colton' he was called and he would come by our house often and we would have a great time.  He loved being a grandpa.  There have been many gatherings with some of his children and mine and lots of memories built.  I am ever so grateful for those, each and every one.  

Families and relationships being what they are, Kelly's kids no longer maintain any relationship with me, and I miss that, especially with his sweet grandson Kaiden.  I have such wonderful memories of the time we had to laugh, play, sleepover, enjoy life together.  I hope someday he will remember what 'White Grandma Thayne' did with him and he may want to have some type of a relationship then.  I have just wonderful memories with Stephanie and Greg and Brittany and Jeff and even though there is no contact with them, I am grateful for them, each and every one.  I am blessed to have had their love in my life if even for a short while.  

Once again, I find myself feeling joy as I think of the memories and I am sure before the year is over there will be more gratitude felt and expressed for relationships.  I consider myself to be blessed and grateful today.