LIFE Happens!

We age with every tick of the clock. Time is lost and can never be retrieved, but we can all make the best of the time we have on our blue planet.  Bon and I have our children to love and bring forth as great citizens into the world that is sometimes cruel and sometimes it brings everlasting joy and happiness to our hearts. Thats because we choose to love. Our decision to love is choice we made after getting encountered with Marriage Encounter in the Fall of 2010.

Our children see this and we are proud parents knowing we did our very best to provide the comfort they need, the love they require and the space that is essential to their growth and development.  Our struggles with a blended family was not easy, but definitely rewarding. We see each of them in their element. Their character, the way they progress and think for themselves. The way they put up a fight with courage to stand for what they believe in. At times passive, but that is their own way on how they deal with things. I am a proud father to them all and although I rarely see and speak to everyone, I hope that one day after they view this post will realize that as a parent, a human being, I too have made mistakes in relationships, but have never stopped loving them each of them unconditionally.

My wife is the better person in our marriage, she has taught me countless times on how to deal with issues and for the betterment of our livelihood together as well our children. To see them prosper and become adults in their own right has made me feel nostalgic and I find myself reminiscing on past photos.  With this post I share a few photos of who they are today and how confident each is growing in their own skin.

Life happens and because we cannot turn back time, each of them will go through hardship. They will face an array of issues that are both good and bad. They will find joy and happiness for themselves. I only hope that from what we as parents taught them - that making the right decisions for themselves - will always be atop their minds.

I am so proud of everyone and I will share some words about each of them below. One day when they read this blog post they will see that even though dad was a strict person in their earlier childhood, I meant well for their upbringing. And if what I had caused over years past hurt them and I have failed to apologize, I say this,

"To all my children, I too have made many mistakes in our lives and our relationship. I ask for your forgiveness.  I will always love each of you".

Anthony: I recall years back of how hard I was on you. I had my reasons, but that never stopped me from loving you. Although we do not speak much today, I think of you more than you know. Your career move into being a chef surprised me in great way. I could remember your corned beef fried rice that you made whenever you were hungry, it tasted real good and each time I made it, I thought of you. Your a man of your own choosing, I tried to have a stronger influence with your decisions, but that was wrong of me. I am proud of who you have become and I see greatness that will come from your talents.

Donovan: The military was not of your choosing. You took it as a way out, but never said that was your reason. I see in you a strong exterior shell that hides your emotions. One day I hope that you will be in touch with them as you will see the benefit. You will marry soon to a woman who brings your smiles and makes your heart flutter in cloud nine. Your career move into the medical field is a great one, I can see a future that you can be proud of as you continue to progress forward. Your knowledge will come to find its need everywhere you go. Keep it up!

Hope: Sweet, delicate and head strong. You did it! A graduate of Sacramento State University in less than a month from now.  Your life is gearing up to enter a new chapter. We have heard your struggles and accomplishments and all the while gave the space you need to decide on what is best for you.  We are super proud of you as you start with a career that you have chosen for yourself. No one can take away what you did, you earned every right to be who you are. Your intellect will go to great use here at home when you return. I can see your generous heart moving mountains. You love so freely and in this life of yours, I hope that you will find the love you desire.

Jayvier: Our family comedian that never fails to bring out laughter in any circumstance. A heart softer than the touch of silk and that is wonderful for a man to have. Remain positive, work hard and you will reap the benefits. Love unconditionally as you do and I hope your getting that in return as well in your relationship. Decide wisely on what you do with your life as I know you tend to jump and react so quickly. Impulsive is not a bad thing, but always remember to step back a bit and see things clearly. I say this because I know and I have had my fair share of struggles because of such action.

Wayannie: Your starting your journey with fulfilling your education. My look-a-like as many have said before. But your more level-headed than I am and that is why you will succeed with your studies at North Georgia University.  Your quiet but thats only because your thinking, I believe that you will start to voice your concerns more freely and debate your arguments with passion. I know this will eventually be you. Your strong-willed and like to do things alone, similar to my trait. Because your quiet, do not let people assume they can walk all over you. Stand firm, plant your feet and use this time to explore and be adventurous. Remember family is always there and no matter how far you may be, you have many that love you dearly.

Peyton: One extremely strong individual is how I define you. That is your character that was not seen by me until your early teen years. So talented in dance as music lifts your soul, you have life in you that will one day shine brighter than the sun. Your comfortable in your skin and it shows. Your nervous at most times, but you pull through with grace and confidence, something you learned on your own and I could not be more proud of you. This tells me you will be just fine. Stay strong dear.

Sommer: My firecracker, quick with puns and your intelligence is off the charts. Youngest of the girls, you are truly one who makes my day with intelligent jokes and your caring persona. While you have your anxieties and a temper that's like Donny, you will need to control this. Quick on your feet and a great listener, I hope one day that when your older, you will go back and see just how you came to be this brilliant person. Of course, genes from your mother is a plus!

Wade: The youngest of the eight. I spoke to you today a week after your 13th birthday and I cried after because you were taken away from me too early. Nevertheless, your growing to be a very intelligent young man. Your interest in astronomy and paleontology amazes me. Continue to learn and become that of what makes you happy.

My children, life is truly short. Mistakes, heartbreaks, struggles will come your way. Be resilient, tough, and pray as that would get you out of anything. I love you all with all that I am. A simple person that I hope in one way or another has contributed to your happiness as a person. Never give up, live and make it known that you are living.


My wife, I wrote this so I do not forget to see just how special each of our children is. I put it in words so that I can and everyone else can reflect on it just as much as I am. Whether we live to be a 100 or live to see only tomorrow, my memories of everyone is deep within my heart. I want everyone to know this.