“If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears.”
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-Henry David Thoreau
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Below is the first of many “Truth Be Told Tuesdays.” It was written the day after the Boston Marathon Bombing. The horrific terrorist attack occurred on Monday, April 15, 2013, leaving three people dead and hundreds injured, including 17 who lost limbs.
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A dear high school friend, Linda Boynton, encouraged me to start a forum on Facebook after I posted a sarcastic comment on why we only share the good things about our kids and ourselves on social media.
From that little recommendation “Truth Be Told Tuesday” was birthed.
My first thought was to attempt humor; share something funny. But after yesterday’s events in Boston, I’m not feeling like a comedian.
So with that, my “truth” for today is this:
I often worry my children will not be close to one another because of multiple marriages (four moms and six children).
Someone mentioned yesterday that people look up to me because of the effort I put into raising my children in what could be a challenging situation.
I appreciated the comment but realized no one should look up to me; it’s my responsibility to care for my children. I enjoyed the analysis but realized no one should look up to me; it’s my responsibility to care for my children. Also, no awards should I receive.
I failed too many times to be lauded.
What was true and to be recognized was for the simple fact that I was their father.
I’m their only father.
Their ages are 24, 23, 19, 9, 9, & 5. Yes, it looks like lottery numbers. And, no, the number ‘9’, stated twice, is not a typo. The numbers do not represent twins, either.
Here is where I need your full attention.
Two of my children – my oldest children, Logan and Austin – are from my first marriage. My third child, Bryce, is from my second marriage, my “fifth” child is from a former girlfriend, and my number 4 (Ryan) and 6 (Reese) children are with my current wife, the one I will be with for the rest of my life.
So there you have it.
Please feel free to get up and stretch, take a walk, exercise, nap, or do yoga. The truth is, I’m exhausted from typing that last paragraph myself.
Exhausted.
The truth is I worry my kids won’t be close, and when they all get together, everyone will act like visitors at a family reunion who meet some cousin from Virginia for the first time.
So, what have I done to protect this from happening? Pray, prioritize, and protect.
I pray they will have strong relationships with each other and that the older three will forever be intentionally engaged with the younger three.
I prioritize all the kids being together as much as humanly and logistically possible. Also, I’ve individually matched the older siblings with their younger brothers and sister: Logan (24) is assigned to Addison (9), Austin (23) is responsible for Ryan (9), and Bryce (19) is to watch after his sister, Reese (5)
I’ve asked each one to care for, be kind and generous, and look after the one assigned to their care for the remainder of their days. My most important want for all my children is that they will travel down a path that leads them to Jesus Christ.
Once they come face-to-face with Him, I hope that they will accept and serve Him.
I hope so because He is worthy.
This is my “Truth Be Told” for Tuesday, April 16, 2013
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Art by Angela Hardy . “Beat To A Different Drum”