This photo is the view from the airplane window. For weeks leading up to our trip the kids have been lobbying for a window seat. I explained to them that we are going to be on several planes so there will be lots of opportunities to sit by the window. On our way out to Ohio we had to connect in Dallas  and on both flights we had the exact same seat assignments– the last row. Cheryl and Mark had first dibs on the window seats and when they opened the window  this is what we saw– the engine. No view. Bummer.

We were met at the airport by Paul’s sister Joan and their cousin Molly. We are presently staying in Molly’s house in Granville, Ohio. Molly is a wonderfully, generous, gracious and loving person. She does not have any kids of her own, but is the surrogate mom to many. She is used to hosting a big crowd since she comes from a big family with lots of nieces and nephews. Paul’s sister Joan is also staying here with her husband and two children. All the kids are set up for sleeping downstairs in the basement on air mattresses next to the big flat screen TV and the air hockey table. They just got out of the pool, which is indoors so they can swim rain or shine. The cousins are all bonding. What fun they are all having. They are going to watch a movie and later we will have a barbecue. I can’t help but marvel at my good fortune for marrying into such a terrific, fun, welcoming family.

Words cannot express the excitement (or was it fear?) I felt when we got in the car yesterday morning at 4a.m. to go to the airport. We have planned this trip for so long and there was some concern on my part that I overlooked some small detail. I didn’t. So far so good. Mark sat next to me on the plane and the girls were behind us.  We had taxied to the runway and were waiting for takeoff when  Mark turned to me and said, “I want you to know how much I appreciate you taking me on this trip. I’m so totally stoked. I have been looking forward to this all summer.” 

These are the moments a parent lives for. I will remember his expression and look of gratitude forever.  The lines are starting to blur where I no longer make the mental distinction that Mark is my stepson and not my birth son. He is my son. I want to make him happy and share this experience with him. These are the ties that bond a family.