Sometimes, you just never know...

[Gemini Cricket]

You can file this one away in the 'Sometimes You Just Never Know' category.

Lots of y'all know me from my MP days where I'd vent ad nauseum about my relationship with my parents and I won't burden you with it here. But just briefly, my parents and I don't see eye to eye about me being me and especially with me being me being with Ralphie. Anyway, yaddah yaddah yaddah.

For X-mas, Ralphie and I received 2 cards from my parents. One my dad sent and one my mom sent. Each didn't know that the other had sent something. Both cards for the first time ever were addressed to both of us. My dad's card said 'Merry Christmas Son' on the front and in his own handwriting, he added an "S" to the end of Son. The card was for both of us. I was stunned. We spoke soon after and talked, I mean really talked. Something we hadn't done in 7 years. It was nice.

For Valentine's Day I got another card from my dad. Again he altered the "Happy Valentine's Day, Son" to read "Happy Valentine's Day, Sons".

Boy did that mean a lot to me.

So, on a whim, I decided to give him a call tonight. We talked. It was a really nice talk and I vented some of my frustrations to him and he did the same. We brought up all the topics one shouldn't bring up without a fight and we didn't fight. It was really nice. We even got to the point in our relationship (finally) where we could joke about me being a 'mo. It was wonderful.

Anyway, if you ever think that some things in life are impossible, you may just be wrong. I never dreamed that my father and I would ever get to this point. It took 7 years, but it's great to be here at this stage. He vowed not to cram religion down my throat and I agreed not to harp on him for being Catholic. I think this will work.

I just thought I'd share, because there's nothing as great as having a civil conversation with someone you love after a 7 year drought.

Now as for mom... well it may take another 7 years but I can wait, I guess.

GC

PS - Something interesting. Dad has taken to hogs lately and purchased a new Harley of his own. (This is his second one mind you.) He and my mom (!!!) have been driving up to the North Shore together. On one bike! Oy vey. I think that's pretty cool. Thaw her out a little bit. :D

[Morrigoon]

Congrats!

[UvaGirl]

Dammit, I can't give you mojo just yet, but that is so cool:)

[Tito's Kitten]

That is great. I hope things work out just as well with your mom too!!!

[MerryPrankster]

Awesome, CG!! :) Your post brought a tear to my eye -- I'm really happy for you!

I got a good chuckle out of the last part of your post too. Your parents on a hog together riding over to the North Shore -- very cool! At first I thought you were going to say that your dad was into raising pigs. :rolleyes:

[AllyOops!]

Dammit, I can't give you mojo just yet, but that is so cool:)

Dang! Same here! :(

Here is some "posted mojo"! :)

I feel so much for you! Believe me , I know exactly how it feels to have a strained relationship with a Dad. My Dad & I bonded so much over the summer, to have a falling out on Thanksgiving, to make-up ( he apologized! :eek: ) and celebrate a wonderful Christmas, and then have things go slightly south on my Birthday. I love my Dad so much ( nobody makes me laugh harder! ), and maybe it's because we are alike in so many ways that we tend to clash. I just know that I pine for more time with my parents then either one will really ever give me. And that can hurt something awful. I look up to my Parents so much and long to be just like them, and make them very proud. :)

I am so very happy that your Dad accepted your relationship with Ralphie! :) The fact that he pluralized "Son" to include Ralphie touched my heart so deeply. Your relationship should most definitely be celebrated! :snap: Opposite sex, same sex, I never can understand why it matters which gender we choose to give our hearts to or decide to spend the rest of our lives with and marry. Love is love and it is such a beautiful thing. And I'm a Catholic girl! :)

[dsnylndmom]

Oh GC I am just so happy for you. That is wonderful news.

[mistyisjafo]

That is such a great break through in your relationship with your parents. You never want to leave that stuff unresolved because one day you/they will regret it.

So good for you & your family.

[belleh5]

GC- I am soo happy for you!! CONGRATS :snap: :snap: :snap:

[wendybeth]

This is so cool, GC! I'm very pleased for you, Ralphie and your dad. It sounds like your mom is coming around, and I applaud your patience with the both of them.

:snap:For all of you!:snap:

[Ghoulish Delight]

Very cool GC, must be nice to have at least half that weight lifted off your shoulders. :cool:

[Motorboat Cruiser]

That is such a heartwarming post. Thank you for sharing it. I wish my dad and I shared the same relationship that you are finally developing with your father. Your post brings me hope and I'm so very happy for you. :)

[lindyhop]

Very good news! :)

[Gemini Cricket]

Thanks for all the kudos, you swanky people you! :)

I also wanted to thank you for letting me vent about them for the past 4 years (!!). Your support is greatly appreciated and cherished.

:)

[~MS~]

(((((((((GC))))))))))))))) I couldn't be happier for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! More hugs from Miss B as well just cuz ((((((((((((you know we adore you)))))))))))

[BarTopDancer]

Thank you so much for sharing this awesome news GC!!!!!!!! ::hugs:::

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

Sometimes we "kids" have to wait for our parents to mature...

[Betty]

That's great news GC. I'm so happy for you. :)

[Matterhorn Fan]

That's great news! :)

[cirquelover]

What wonderful news!! I hope the trend continues with your Mom.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Thanks so much for the wonderful update. Family strife is the absolute worst, and it's good to hear your dad is realizing that it's not worth it.

Congrats! :D

[mhrc4]

congrats, sounds like a good breakthrough

[Not Afraid]

I know how much this has pained you over the years. I'm glas things are turning around.

[SusieP.]

That's beautiful. I'm so happy for you! :D

(I'm so happy for you that I will not give you any negative mojo for making me cry today :blush: I'm just sappy that way, I guess.)

[Gemini Cricket]

You all are the bomb. :)

I have high hopes for Mom. If she can uncross her legs to get on a hog, I think our family's in good shape. She would have never, ever done that in the past. Something/one's inspiring her to let loose and it's wonderful.

:)

[Eliza Hodgkins 1812]

Happy Valentine's Day, Sons....

I think you just made my pea sized heart grow to a slightly large pea size.

I even have a lump in my throat.

Congrats!

[Claire]

Wowza, Brad. I'm covered from head to toes in goosebumps. You must be feeling this very cool euphoria right now.....I'm sharing in it. Thank you!!!

Big hugs,
Claire

[jdramj]

:snap: :snap:

That is such great news! (You just got my first mojo givings ;) )

[Gemini Cricket]

It actually was a lot mushier but I figured I'd spare all y'all the specifics.

Here's a little taste, though.

He told me that a fireman came up to my little sister and asked her if she'd ever thought of joining the fire department. Apparently, he works out at a gym with my sister and said that she was built for it. :D Anyway, I laughed at that and told my dad that my tomboy sister was the son he's always wanted. His response? "You are the son I've always wanted. And now Ralphie makes two."

Oy vey. Talk about making with the goosebumps all over and the tears, I tell you what.

:)

It's been a good couple of days, y'all. :)

[SacTown Chronic]

Anyway, I laughed at that and told my dad that my tomboy sister was the son he's always wanted. His response? "You are the son I've always wanted. And now Ralphie makes two."

Oy vey. Talk about making with the goosebumps all over and the tears, I tell you what.

I am having goosebumps and tears right now. It might be the Heineken but I don't think so. :)

[Claire]

Oy vey. Talk about making with the goosebumps all over and the tears, I tell you what.

Okay, I went from tears in the eyes to outright LAUGHTER!!!! Oy. With the swinging of the emotions and the joking in another dialect, I tell you what.

[Ghoulish Delight]

His response? "You are the son I've always wanted. And now Ralphie makes two."
My response: "Awwwww, hey CP listen to this." CP's response: "His dad turned gay, that's what happened."

[Gemini Cricket]

My response: "Awwwww, hey CP listen to this." CP's response: "His dad turned gay, that's what happened."lol! :D

[innerSpaceman]

That was pure schmaltz, dished up quite well by your dad. He's a pro. Seems he knew just when to break it out.

I'm very happy for you and your pops.