The Men in My Life

Believe it or not, this photo was taken just a few weeks ago, in late November. 

One minute it seemed like autumn would last forever. The next minute, we were buried in four feet of snow.

But that's not what this blog is about. 

Not the weather.

It's about the three most important men in my life: Angus, Sam and Dave.

They get along remarkably well. Most of the time.

It hurts my heart when they don't.

I shouldn't complain. Being a stepfather has got to be one of the world's toughest jobs. (A male equivalent of an evil stepmother.) You can't be too bossy with the kids but you care about them and want them to grow up right. On the other hand you can't let them walk all over you either.

It's a dangerous fence a step-parent sits upon.

To Dave's credit, he does an admirable job. I don't know if I could do as well, if the situation were reversed.

The last four years have been smooth but, as the boys approach their teenage years and hormones combined with a struggle for independence take over, we will have our work cut out for us.

I love those boys. All three of them.

My strongest hope is they get closer as they all get older. 

And become lifelong friends.