Before the best gift I had to go through a period of time with what I call my practice wife, a relationship that taught me invaluable lessons about love, commitment, and self-discovery. This experience, though not perfect, was filled with moments of laughter and challenges that ultimately shaped my understanding of what I truly wanted in a partner. I navigated the highs of shared dreams and the lows of misunderstandings, all of which were essential in preparing me for the incredible joy that was to come. It was during this time that I learned to appreciate the little things in relationships, recognizing the importance of communication and respect, setting the foundation for a healthier future. I knew something was missing in this relationship, but I thought it would be overpowered but it was not. However, this relationship gave me my second-best gift, two sons that I truly love and very thankful that they are a part of my life.
The best gift I ever received was my second wife. We have been together for over forty years, and this trip is one you hear about in the fairy tales. I wasn’t even looking for a wife. I was mourning and repairing from my first eleven-year marriage that came to a shocking end in divorce. I met Dee, my second wife in a divorce support group. We talked, we cried, we shared our hurts and this openness grew into a strong lasting marriage of over forty years. The following years were periods of fun, overseas trips with vacations in many parts of the states. I came from a small family and Dee came from a family of many relatives. She gave me a family I wished for many times. Also, because of her I was blessed with four stepchildren, two boys and two girls. I love them just like my biological sons. It has been a trip and feel very blessed. Every night before I go to sleep, I thank God for giving me the gift of Dee, the best gift I ever received.
TomT2.0 