by Renda B~surviving the storm by dancing in the rain.
Member since:
September 20, 2007

Unconditional Love

January 20, 2008 09:44 AM EST (Updated: January 16, 2009 06:07 PM EST)
views: 172 | rating: 9.6/10 (43 votes) | comments: 55

(I am "renewing" this for this year AND putting it back in "spotlight" on my page.  Dad & Dee's Anniversary is right around the corner and I'm so happy they have added another year!)

My mother and father divorced years ago. Although I was young when they announced the decision to "us kids", I rejoiced. Not because I disliked either one of them, but the arguments they tried to hide would seep from underneath the doorway. The facade they presented was barely more than an understanding to "get along" while in front of us. Somehow, even at a young age, one can sense the discord and animosity radiating from other people.

Not long afterward, my father introduced us to a woman that he had met through work. Dee and I immediately became friends. I liked her and her two children. I saw the love between her and my dad. I felt the happiness they shared.

When they decided to get married, I was ecstatic. My Hero (dad) had found true, unconditional love. If you are around Dad & Dee for any amount of time....you can feel it. That is, of course, the most important thing....to see my dad happy and know he found love. The other things were a bonus, I had another mom AND another brother and sister as a result of the marriage.

This marriage between these two has withstood the test of time. The 20th is their anniversary. During the years they've been together, they have experienced so many things. They have seen the death of loved ones, they have laughed and cried, they have raised "us kids", they have celebrated births of grandchildren and great grandchildren, they have argued like everyone does. They have done and seen so many things, but one thing has remained....their unconditional love.

I am thankful for my Dad (who will always be my hero) and Dee, the wonderful woman that accepted his children without reservation. I love you both. Happy Anniversary!
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Comments: 55 ( 1 removed by Renda B~surviving the storm by dancing in the rain. )

Cheryl W. Jan 20, 2008, 9:47am EST
Aww...what a great story! Sounds like the real deal...:)
juley g. Jan 20, 2008, 10:04am EST
That is so sweet Renda!
Landen Michaels Jan 20, 2008, 10:09am EST
Congrats to them both... and you, for being fortunate enough to have a story like this to work in your favor as a kid. It's a rare thing that the children aren't somehow caught in the crossfire of it all and accepted so readily into the next relationship.
☀ Aunt Shanny Jan 20, 2008, 10:10am EST
This is wonderful!
Thanks everyone.
Landen, you are right. Fortunately for us (as a family), my mother also remarried (to a wonderful man) and we are able to say that we have 4 parents (instead of the normal 2). Also, everyone usually gets along well...as past family get togethers represent. I can not tell you how happy I am that the four of them can be in the same room and things not escalate into a "war".
daniella n. Jan 20, 2008, 10:24am EST
Renda, you really touched our hearts deep down inside, even if saying this is a common place. Beautifully written.
Toni V. Jan 20, 2008, 10:43am EST
Wow! That is wonderful!
I won't ding this one, I LIKED these people.
Beautiful story Renda. Congratulations to the happy couple and to you...for having such love around you to show you what love really is.
Quinn (aka Entwife) Blackburn Jan 20, 2008, 11:22am EST
..
U
Bob B. Jan 20, 2008, 11:50am EST
This is a wonderful article, Renda. Happy Anniversary Dee & Dad!!!
Kay Bevis Jan 20, 2008, 11:55am EST
Happy Aniversary Dad & Mom.... I love you guys very much!!!!
Good Article Ren!!
Thanks everyone.
Katherine, I really am lucky to have the family members I do.
Kay, thanks....love you.
So, Doc...aahhh Lloyd....aahhhh McDaniel, aaahhh Smith ~ sorry can't keep all your names straight-
I guess from your comment you are admitting to downrating all my other articles and images AND that you do not (or did not) like my grandchildren and other family members. How nice of you. As I have said before "Have a Blessed Day".
Richard Frisbie Jan 20, 2008, 1:38pm EST
You're a lucky girl, Renda, and your folks are blessed with you. Glad to hear they are 26 yrs and going strong - Congrats!
Thank you so much, Richard. I do consider myself very fortunate.
JoAnn C. Jan 20, 2008, 2:34pm EST
wonderful story. happy anniversary to your dad and Dee.
Kay M. Jan 20, 2008, 2:36pm EST
Sweet story. Hope they have a great Anniversary
Heather W. Jan 20, 2008, 2:57pm EST
That is a wonderful story.
Dee S. Jan 20, 2008, 3:06pm EST
DAD AND I LOVED THE ARTICLE. AS ALWAYS YOU HAVE THAT WAY WITH WORDS. I NOT ONLY GOT A GOOD MAN, I ALSO GOT 3 WONDERFUL CHILDREN. WHICH INTURN GAVE ME GRAND CHILDREN AND GREAT GRANDCHILDREN. I THANK GOD FOR ALL OF YALL. WE LOVE YOU AND ARE VERY BLESSED. THANKS
Donna Besso Jan 20, 2008, 3:19pm EST
What a beautiful tribute. Happy Anniversary to them!!!!!!!!
Kay, JoAnn, Heather, & Donna, thank you all for stopping by.
Dee, I'm glad you and Dad enjoyed it. I love you both very much.
Alison Pearce Jan 20, 2008, 5:20pm EST
Lovely article! Happy Anniversary to them!
Thanks Alison & Lyla.
Austin Cushing Jan 20, 2008, 6:44pm EST
This comment is to let you know that this content has reached ten comments, and as such has been removed from Comment Speedway! Congratulations!
Jade S. Jan 20, 2008, 6:48pm EST
Wonderful and romantic
Pat Bertram Jan 21, 2008, 11:19am EST
Lovely story. Here's hoping they have another twenty-six years!
Jade, Marianne, & Pat,
Thank you all so much.
April H. Jan 21, 2008, 10:11pm EST
Great story!
Elsie Duggan Jan 22, 2008, 12:14am EST
Happy Anniversary to your Dad and Dee, Renda, and your story of unconditional love is the kind that is sought by everyone, and that you accepted your stepmom for the love of your father made their marriage happiness possible, so often step children can be the reason second marriages don't work, you should be proud of the unconditional love you gave to your dad, that is what counted for lots of happiness all around here.
This is a happy ever after story...and so good to read, Renda. You are blessed.
Carrie O. Jan 22, 2008, 7:01pm EST
Awww wish them a Happy Anniversary from me too! They are so lucky to have found something so rare and special.
Ruth Luce Jan 23, 2008, 10:55am EST
Such a lovely tribute and an all to rare occurence, is great to hear about!!
Renda, such a heart-warming story about your father and step-mother.
Syed The Shah Jan 27, 2008, 3:28am EST
A pure sentimental drift you put forth, but love is always unconditional, if you set forth stipulations in love you just have a limited time to spend and then boom, the couple have either to tolerate or to drop the relations.
Well, glad that you are happy and having the love of them altogether once again.
Be in peace
Michelle, that's so true. Thanks for stopping by.

Thanks, April.

Elsie, thank you so much. You're so right. I love both my "step" parents and my mom and dad.

Thank you, Magi. I am blessed :)

Carrie, will do. Thanks for stopping by.

Ruth, it is rare...but can be found, if we are patient. Thank you.

Altair, thank you.

Muhammad, thank you. Good to see you back.

Saturina, thank you. I'm glad too :)
wiaka's just ... curious Jan 29, 2008, 5:11pm EST
Renda it takes someone with an open mind to see that not everything is for the best and open your heart up to another person that will be such an important part of your father's life. I think all of you have found something in this relationship that is so positive.

This is a wonderful tribute to your father and your new Mom.

I also want to thank you fro your comment to my first book review.

Blessings
Jennifer W. Feb 1, 2008, 6:48pm EST
Unconditional love is something I think about and search for. Sometimes we think we find it and even though we love someone it doesn't work out.

Such a wonderful tribute to your dad and his wife. SO beautiful and touching
Wiaka, as time has unfolded the relationship our family (all of us) have has been through a lot. Things aren't always easy and some events are more detrimental than others, however with the love of family we grow stronger and realize that peace and happiness stem from love. I consider myself very fortunate to have 4 parents and am happy knowing that each of them are happy. Thanks for stopping by.
Jennifer, I hope you find unconditional love. Don't give up. After failed searches of my own, I didn't think it was out there for me however, I will soon be 40 and have recently found it myself. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Janie E. Feb 3, 2008, 11:03pm EST
Renda, I know what you mean about "unconditional love". I've been married to the same man for 33 yrs and counting. I hope your parents celebrate a very wonderful anniversary, as I have. Great story, Renda
Thank you, Janie. Congratulations on your 33 years! In this day and time, not many people can say that.
If you are going to delete the reply you really ought to delete your snotty assault ms. five names at the courthouse. .
(sigh) If you haven't noticed, I write articles and post pictures for myself, my family, and my connections. All of which you are not and will never be a part of. It is always nice to see you have so much time on your hands. As I have said countless times before....have a good day.
Midnite Writer -- Kim Feb 19, 2008, 4:53pm EST
Your family does sound like mine. I cannot believe though that people are so mean with comments. I have had that as well. I decided just to post mostly fluff and small talk on here. My other work is on writing.com kh53150.

I hope none of these losers get to you.

Unconditional love has seemingly eluded me, or I just do not know it is there.

Good, solid article here, thank you!
Thank you, Kim. I haven't heard of that particular site. I will check it out some time. Don't give up on the unconditional love, you will find it when the time is right. I didn't think it was out there either, but I have been proven wrong :)

As for the rude remarks on here, it doesn't bother me. I just consider the source and realize that some people will never mature (no matter how old they are). The funny thing about it is I do not and will not visit that particular person's work on here. I don't have the time or the "want" to follow him around. I have a life.

Thanks again for stopping by. Look forward to seeing you around.
Thank you so much, Rose.
Deloris Wright Apr 19, 2008, 9:00pm EDT
It is a great article thank you.Here is praying that your Dad and Dee have many more years together.
Nancy S. Apr 19, 2008, 9:00pm EDT
That was such a beautiful tribute to your family Renda.
Deloris and Nancy, thank you both very much.
Dad & Dee, happy 27th Anniversary. I love you both!
Shaunee C. Jan 16, 2009, 9:49pm EST
Great story great photo essay
Kay Bevis Jan 18, 2009, 2:29pm EST
Dad & Dee, ditto what Ren said.

We are so happy for you, thanks for sticking by each other and all your children....
Thank you, Cassandra. Being positive is the only way to go ;)

Thanks, Shaunee.

Hey Kay :)
Marsha S. Jan 24, 2009, 11:55am EST
Just letting you know your content has reached 25 comments and has therefore been removed from ~3,000 Here We Come!~

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