Beau-Père.

My mom has been seeing Clark for 2.5 plus years. And they have a wonderful relationship. He is a wonderful man who seems to have the same effect as my brother Brandon in that he elevates the mood of the room when he enters.

Today, my mom had the chance to play bridge and Clark volunteered to hold Tom while I got my burn (I call it a burn to explain it to Paco). He was early, which I love. He fed Tommy a bottle while the wizardly Radiation Technicians took extra measurements to ensure no frying of my optic nerves or brain stem. Because Clark and I were both early, I hopped the appt before mine who had yet to arrive!

Upon my return, Clark had been hearing the stories in the lobby and making friends. Not a surprise. Then he learned I had intended to go to Trader Joe’s and insisted on following me and playing with the babe outside while I shopped in freedom. The great thing about this is that he would have offered regardless of health concerns. He would have offered 6 weeks ago, he would have shopped for me 6 mos ago. He is full of generosity. He sat on the tailgate and let Tom roll around on the blanket and play. For over 30 minutes. When I came out to say thank you for a wonderful shopping trip, he laughed that I was treating it like a splurge to shop for 30 minutes without kid. Yes. Yes. Yes.

Beau-père and Lemon

I was annoying in the store and had to tell anyone who asked me how I was doing that I had the best surrogate dad ever. I think I need to start calling him the French for both step-dad and father-in-law: beau-père or bp. Because it translates as handsome father, it seems appropriate.

My list of people who have helped, people who have offered, people who have sent things, people who have obeyed my request to wait until my challenging fall season to help (I have a vision of teams to play in shifts) is massive. But today, I just need to thank the universe for the gift of mon beau-père.

Off to nap. Erin