The card ended with "Jim, you rock, Love Fifi." Her name is really Marisa. But everybody knows her as Fifi. Don't ask. I won't even try to explain. She was seven years old when I became her step-dad.

For good reason I keep my personal life personal. There are many things that I don't share in my blog. Basically, I'm an introvert. And, let's face it, there are a few things that you just don't want to know. It's that way with all of us. Something about wanting or needing to preserve a little mystery in our lives.

Well, anyway, Fifi thinks I rock. High praise from a young lady who will turn 17 next month. In our nearly ten years together we've gone through some tough times. She doesn't need another Father, thank you very much. Okay, I'll do when she needs a flat tire fixed, a birthday present or when she needs someone to talk to in the middle of that day when her test score doesn't meet expectations. At those times I fill a dad-like role.

It's days like today when I wonder what my life would be like if Fifi, Bob, Donna and Denise wouldn't have come into my life. It really has been a great experience. One that I couldn't have planned. It makes me glad to be part of this family, even though I'm not always appreciated. And even though I am not always appreciated, at least today I "rock." Oh, and there was a crisp new twenty along with the note. So, Fifi rocks.............
10:31:55 PM    comment []