It's been a while since I wrote here. A lot of things are going on. Isaac is having a lot of trouble at school, being mean and difficult with his teacher. We're trying to work it out, between his teacher, mom and specialists and counselors. It's difficult to discern, because Isaac is still fairly young and can have a hard time expressing himself.
I've also begun observing in the classroom as part of my learning process to begin my teacher credential program. It's been two days, and it's been fun. There's so much I want to do. I work in a special-education classroom of elementary school kids. It's near the end of the school year, but I hope that I can bond with them a bit before they go home for the summer.
I got some big news today. Perhaps my dearest friends in Grass Valley, Gordon Southam and his family, are going to be moving. Gordon is an engineer by trade, and as I've mentioned before, perhaps the smartest person I've ever known. I've known Gordon and his family for about 10 years; they are the best friends I could ever ask for. Gordon has been working sporadically over the past few months or so, and will be working for a company that makes electric meters. This means he's moving to the company headquarters across Lake Pontchartrain from New Orleans. This is great news for Gordon and his family, for Gordon is very talented and pretty much does anything he can for his family. His wife, Camille, is also a wonderful friend who has been there for me, my ex-wife and our family over the years. She's part of the reason why I'm going into the teaching profession.
It is bittersweet for me, for I almost cried when I heard the news. I was at once proud and relieved for Gordon and his family; raising a family of six on essentially two part-time salaries is near impossible. So now, he can provide for his family and do something he knows.
I was sad because this family, outside of my own, has been in my corner more than anyone else I know. They immediately came to my aid (and my defense) when Cherie left with the kids. I remember the first time Gordon came to visit me in Carson City after he asked me why I waited so long to call him; I remember him saying he left behind the 99 so he could help the one (me) because he cared. This was the first time that another man told me he loved me, and I knew exactly what he meant. I remember him inviting me to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom with his oldest son Tanner. I was a basket case then, silently crying for my own children and wishing they were there. But I knew then, as I know now, that Gordon and his family really loved me.
I remember going to Gordon and Camille's house for dinner and staying up until 3 a.m. talking with of them. They have given me more than any I could have ever asked for or deserved. I remember Gordon talking to me about how his faith was tested so many times before the birth of his first child, and then during the pregnancy and the subsequent birth of Brendan, Paige and Whitney. Gosh, I love those kids so much! I will miss reading bedtime stories to them, whispering in Paige and Whitney's ears to "tell them a secret" when I forgot their names; and hearing how smart Brendan remembered so much, or Tanner's dance moves.
The Christmas in 2008 will never leave my memory. It was the kindest thing anyone not related to me had ever done for me.
I will also be grateful to Gordon, Camille and their children for visiting Cherie and the kids on my behalf. They did something they didn't have to do, but didn't hesitate in doing what they did for me. Isaac and Savannah and the Southam kids, I hope, will always have a relationship with "their cousins."
I hope to visit the Southams once before they leave town. Life changes before our eyes or when we least expect it. When I left Grass Valley in October 2009, Gordon and his family were constant confidants as the divorce proceedings ensued, and even as I debated to move to Idaho where the kids are. I often call Gordon "the eternal optimist," and we had some difficult conversations over the last few months. Like good friends, though, there was always respect, and more importantly, love behind those difficult conversations. We all knew and understood that.
They helped make two of the most difficult years of my life tolerable, bearable, and at times, enjoyable. Now, Gordon's selling his junky truck, and I have sold mine for a car that the kids can fit in. Perhaps that's indicative of our new stages in life. I hope to be a bigger presence in my childrens' lives, and I need a bigger car. Gordon's going to get rid of his truck, too. Big changes for all of us.
So today, as I prepare to meet the bishop to talk about going to the temple and taking out my endowments, I also wish Gordon and Camille and their children the best as they prepare for their exciting journey. I love them and know Heavenly Father is looking on them, just as He's looking down on me.
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