To my white, non-blood related, often careless, procrastinating, smoker, step-father

It is father's day today and all I got you was a card with some writing. But to express myself deeper I am going to write a blog instead...here we go...

I remember the first time we met it was shortly before Easter and we were still living in Oma's house. I had just started going to Dover Elementary for pre-k. Mom had met you in Harry's Restraunt in downton  Plant City.  My earliest memory of you was a stuffed bunny you got me and how much I thought it was so cool (toy fanatic). Within a few months had passed by and we moved into your home, I loved that house so much. And soon after you and mom got married and so on. But looking back at our history and if I had to describe the experience of having you as my step-father from then until now it would be this...grateful. Never could I have wished for such a great dad, a patient, love filled, fun dad. Even though when I refer to you directly I had never once called you "father" or even "dad" once.

You were always Steve to me. But when I speak to others about you, I am always happy to call you my father. Without you in our lives there would be no us. There would be no family, Carlos would of struggled with education and I would of most likely been involved with gangs or just simply miserable because of our home situation. But I am grateful that you took us in . You were patient with us and with our mom (even a saint couldn't do that) and in my heart I believe you put up with it because of how much love you had in us..that we were worth it. As I grow I continue to know just how grateful I am to have you. And now with tough times affecting our family, I am still amazed just how much faith you have in the Lord. And your faith encourages me to push on my own because there is obviously something driving you to do it. So regardless of any title thrown at you, whether non-blooded or fat or even step-father. In truth you are always going to be my father and my only father. Because on father's day (despite the comercialization of the holiday) you are the only reason we are celebrating it, and thats a great reason.

       From your son, Marco