Dads

Today is a very special day. It is the day that we celebrate our fathers. Some celebrate their memory, some celebrate with them, some celebrate over the phone wires...

I am a lucky person because I had the opportunity to have two very special dads. One was Joe Ruffin who passed away on February 2, 1986 at the age of 49 and the other one is Darrell (Buddy) who married my mom when I was 3 years old and who raised me and loves me as his own. That is a very special person who does that.

Daddy Joe was a police officer in Houston, Texas for many years. I always thought I was cool because I was a cops kid. I really hate to say this, but...I usually always tell the truth. My dad and I were not very close when I was growing up because of his wife. You know the story of the wicked step-mother...well....there ya go. Anyway, when I became a young adult and was able to drive, I would visit my Dad...that way, when I was ready I could leave!! I loved my dad so much and wanted a closer relationship with him. As I became an adult I grew closer to him. Then, unfortunately he had a stroke when I was in my early twenties and finally died in 1986. I feel that if the situation would have been different and the wife would have been different I would have gotten to know my dad a lot better.

Daddy Buddy...he has been an amazing dad. He is a quiet man, until he needs to not be. He is very loving, in his own special way. He took in three kids and loved them as his own. He went to hell and back with them. He still does. He gave me a little sister. She has always been my very special sister. The one I cherish. Anyway, Buddy drove a truck for 20+ years for Red Ball Motor Freight in Houston and Paris, Texas. He also worked for Harris County and before he retired he worked for a carwash company repairing the automated car washes. I don't know what else I can say. I love this man I call dad. He was always my protector, my supplier of cars, money, etc. Everything...and more that a "Dad" could be. I love you dad!

One more Dad I would like to talk about is Mark. Although he has never "Fathered" a child, he married me knowing it was going to be difficult coming in at the time he did. Jeremy was just a teenager. Mark and Jeremy both have very strong opinions on how they both should be. Don't get me wrong, Jeremy loves Mark and Mark worships Jeremy. Mark has done more for Jeremy than most. Mark has given fatherly advice, a shoulder to cry on, an opponent for games. Mark has also given Jeremy a home, love and support. I personally want to tell Mark that Jeremy is a better person because of him. Thank you for loving him as your own son. Happy Father's Day.

Happy Father's Day to all of you!!!