Time Then & Now Plus Raising Kids To Adult Hood

Mom & Dad were Married on June 6th 1949 . I was born in June of 1950 and given the name Wayne . Later in 1953 my brother was born in July of that year named Richard .Richard was born with Club feet and had to wear brace on both feet making him unable to walk . Finally they got his feet straightened .

Mom and dad were a devoted couple that Loved each other and wanted to start a family . It started with me and when my brother was born we were a complete family . Dad worked driving a truck and mom worked in a sock mill . Later mom quit work to raise us . Dad changed jobs and worked at a brick yard as a kill foreman . I remember he made 90 cents and hour . Back then ya sure could eat well on what dad made . 

Around 1955 my brother got sick and went into a coma . At the hospital he had stopped breathing . They brought him back . He laid in that coma three weeks . Mom and dad were at his side 

constantly . Doctors told them the my brother would be set back maybe three years in his learning . He got out of hospital and a month later he developed Bright Disease . Another 6 weeks in hospital .

I had a good childhood . Even with all the set backs my brother did as well . Looking back now as i am an adult . I can imagine what my parents went through . There were so many Doctor and Hospital bills . Took dad many years to pay off but he did it . So much set back that many people would have given up . They stood steadfast and raised us .

In 1958 dad got his foot hurt and he developed blood poison in his right leg . Put him out of work for a long long time . The rest of his life he tried working in pain from a brace that didn't fit . Finally retired when he found out he could . No person on this earth should have to go through the pain and suffering Dad experienced !

I won't get in to my school years for it's a different story from what i am trying to get across !

Around 1971 , I met a lady that sparked my interest in women . I was 21 and when she expressed interest in me . I returned the up most interest in her .  Her name was Glenda . After a three month romance . She returned to Tennessee with my heart broken . 

I soon met another person named Debbie . Debbie had just turned 16 and i guess i fell in love with her . Not sure now . We got 

married in 1972 . In 1975 we had a child , named her Kelly . In 1977 another girl , named her Karen .

As days turned in to years it seemed my daughter spent more time with mom and dad than they did with us . I had to change that somehow but found out my wife didn't seem to care much in wanting to be part in raising our daughters . Over time we kinda grew apart . One evening i got off work . Went to my parents home to pick up Kelly & Karen . Got home . In side laid a letter stating She was leaving me and not to look for her . I took kids back to mom's . Went looking for her . When i found her she seemed like she had changed overnight and a different person . She had no desire in raising our girls . Now being with me anymore . She wanted her freedom . As time passed . I got custody of my daughters . Got my divorce 1984 . 

I soon moved to my parents home and built a room for me .  Mom helped out a lot in helping raise my daughters . It was a God send for my daughters to be around my dad . He passed away in 1983 . Mom died in 1990 . 

It was a beginning for me and an honor to raise my daughters . I felt i need to put my life on hold to raise them . I was 30 years old . Getting them up for school . Doing my best to supply their needs was such a blessing . One thing i couldn't provide was being a Mother figure to them when they needed that most . My daughter had very limited contact with their mother . Mainly because she didn't have time in her life for them .

Looking back now . 

I now am 60 years old . I was 30 years old when i really started bringing my daughters up in life . I never got my life back on track and feel now it's to late to start . I wouldn't trade anything for what i gained for the experience of being part of my daughters lives . 

Kelly was first to leave the nest . She got married had a son named Austin and two paternal twins named Gracie and Samuel . She had a bad marriage that in time caused me not to get to see my 

Grand Kids . I have only got to see them a few times in past six years . No contact at all in past two years . They even live one mile from me . She is getting remarried sometime later this year . Too a good man that will love her and the kids . 

My daughter Karen found a man that seemed nice and was good for her . She just liked running around too much and when she got married to Greg . She still ran around to much and finally got divorced and married a younger man . She isn't with him now and is living with another and plans to move to Florida soon . I do however get to see her ever now and again . We do talk on the phone some . 

One thing i have learned in life . "Don't Lend Money To Ya Kid's " & "Don't Marry Too Young" !

My oldest daughter took advantage of me when i couldn't say no . I forgave her for any money she had owed me . I don't have an answer why i don't have a part in their lives as a grand parent . 

I have to keep on living and do the best i can each day . Singing really helps me forget and in return being a better person .