|
I want to apologize for not keeping the website up-to-date. It's amazing how an active child can keep someone busy!!!
Several people have asked us since Emily's death, whether or not we would ever tell Devon about his Mother and the fact that she passed away. The answer is, of course we did. Devon has known ever since he was able to comprehend that he has a Mommy and she lives in Heaven.
On Mother's Day and on his own birthday, we started a tradition of collecting a photo of Devon, a drawing, a "note to Mommy" and attaching them to a helium balloon. We go outside with Devon and he takes a few moments to think and then releases the balloon into the air so that it will go to "Heaven, so Mommy can get a gift from him and see how he's doing". Throughout the next day or so Devon often stops and asks if we think the balloon has made it to Heaven yet. Each time is as moving for all of us as the last.
Since Emily's death, both Joe and I have had a parent that has also passed away. Devon's first comment when learning of their deaths has been, "Well, they're in Heaven now, with my Mommy. I'm sure they'll all take very good care of each other...".
Devon continues to be a TOTAL amazement to both of us from the first day of his life. He is now 7 years old and if a VERY bright, loving and active child. He loves to read, swim, go to school, travel, play with his LEGO's and enjoys playing with friends.
Joe and I separated when Devon was 3 years old. However Devon knows that he is very much loved by both and spends a great deal of time at both houses. Joe and his partner "Frank" remain very active in Devon's day-to-day life. Both Joe & Frank do an incredible job with Devon and Devon feels very loved and safe when he's with "Papa" & "Frankie"
Devon is aware of different family types and has friends that are in single-parent homes, same-sex and traditional (Mom and Dad) families as well.
Devon appears to have an incredible insight into others feelings towards things in the world but also possesses a strong sense of self-respect.
I remember when Devon was just 3 years old and there were triplet boys in his pre-school classroom that continued to pester and tease him right before Mother's Day; because in their eyes he didn't have a mother. After taking these comments on a daily basis for about 2 weeks, Devon finally replied to the boys and said: "You're right, my Mommy is not here but I have two Dads and at least I know who they are...". After saying that he walked away, leaving the boys standing there crying. Apparently their own father had left their Mother.
I think he'll be just fine...
Last Updated by Marty, on February 16, 2010
|
|