I was born to my Mom, Bonnie Lesley and my 'real' father, Gary Cope. However, they didn't stay together and at the age of 5 my mom remarried my Dad, Bob Marshall and at the age of 10, Gary gave up his rights and Bob adopted myself and my older sister.
My Mom & Dad are two of the best people I know. They are the most giving and most understanding parents anyone could wish for. Dad and I spent my growing up years arguing, mainly because we are so so different - and I like to be right! We knew we loved each other - but I always found a way to disagree with what he was saying. Now, we still butt heads at times, and he drives me crazy with his long and repeated stories constantly - but I know he would do anything and everything for me!
My Mom and my sisters are my best friends - I talk to her at least once a day - sometimes more - she is the first person i think to call when something, good or bad, happens to me. I often state that the reason I stay in Utah is because I couldn't survive without my Mom. She was Nikolas' full-time babysitter when I was single and always kept a close eye on he and I to make sure we had what we needed. I know that I can depend on her - and she helps me whenever I or my kids need help! Without her, I wouldn't be where I am today!
Now - my 'real' father - Gary Cope - we had a rocky relationship - didn't see him until I was 18 years old, and that night he had been drinking - alot - as he did his whole life. I kept in contact, with Christmas cards - saw him a few times - but we didn't always see the same side of an issue. One year ago this month I found out he had pancreatic cancer - so I made the trip to Salt Lake to visit him - He sat and stared at me, and told me he had quit drinking three years prior - he hoped I would be happy about that - I was, for him. The hardest part is looking at him as it was pretty much like looking in a mirror I resembled him so much! This past September I got the call that it was near the end - so I went to say goodbye - He was non-responsive until I told him I forgave him for leaving me - he looked in my eyes and I know he knew it was me - he mouthed the words "I'm sorry" - I left, and two hours later he was gone. And, to quote Forrest Gump, "That's all I have to say about that!"
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