Yesterday was a day that the children and I will remember for the rest of our lives. Tony's father died at 5:30 am from kidney failure. Papa was an amazing man that really showed me what a commitment to family really meant, the power of a committed relationship and so much more. One of the greatest losses of the divorce was the regular contact with the extended family. I was so pleased and comforted to know that my children would have these people in their lives to guide and support them.
Michael shed many tears in a soulful cry that I had never heard from him before. He was shifting from unconsolable to coping with maturity and grace. He then sat and wrote his Papa the most amazing letter discussing his sadness, confusion and memories. Olivia went from crying to forgetting. I reminded her that when she would go to Nana's house, Papa wouldn't be there anymore. She started to cry and said that she would give Nana extra kisses and hugs for Papa. These are the reasons I love my children and what makes parenting through tough times more manageable.
Tony and I made a plan for how to manage this tragic and sad moment that would support him and his family and provided enough guidance and structure for the children. We explained what they should expect at the wake and funeral, negotiated a schedule that allowed Tony to take care of the business he needed to (and spend time with his grief with his family) while ensuring the children were given guidance and loving support.
It all comes together when it has to and I am reminded that parenting (and co-parenting) can bring a family together when it is most important. These are the times I am humbled. I am just so saddened that we had to lose such a wonderful man that gave us all so much.
Michael shed many tears in a soulful cry that I had never heard from him before. He was shifting from unconsolable to coping with maturity and grace. He then sat and wrote his Papa the most amazing letter discussing his sadness, confusion and memories. Olivia went from crying to forgetting. I reminded her that when she would go to Nana's house, Papa wouldn't be there anymore. She started to cry and said that she would give Nana extra kisses and hugs for Papa. These are the reasons I love my children and what makes parenting through tough times more manageable.
Tony and I made a plan for how to manage this tragic and sad moment that would support him and his family and provided enough guidance and structure for the children. We explained what they should expect at the wake and funeral, negotiated a schedule that allowed Tony to take care of the business he needed to (and spend time with his grief with his family) while ensuring the children were given guidance and loving support.
It all comes together when it has to and I am reminded that parenting (and co-parenting) can bring a family together when it is most important. These are the times I am humbled. I am just so saddened that we had to lose such a wonderful man that gave us all so much.
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