Peaceful, Easy Feeling

Probably the most difficult decision my mother, Kathy, ever had to make was turning my care over to Dolly and her second husband. She knew that they would love and care for me, but it was heartbreaking for her. A lesser woman would have went on with her life, free to do as she pleased. Not Kathy. Her determination to be with me grew stronger with each passing day. She forged her plan for us to be reunited. She worked and saved, convinced that one day she would be with her little girl.

She met and fell in love with a couple of men while we were apart. While these men were good companions for her, she inherently knew that they would not be the best father for her child. Then one day she met the man that would be a good husband and, more importantly, a perfect father. Ronnie was capable and willing to love a child that was not biologically his own. After they married and became established Kathy brought me home with them.

Ronnie was devoted, docile, dependable. He had a strong sense of family and definition of his role. Ronnie was determined to support his family. He worked many long hours to provide for us. We never wanted for anything. Never being a stern disciplinarian, his manner of parenting was laissez-faire. I honestly only remember one time during my childhood that he raised his voice to me. I was heartbroken for days, knowing that I had disappointed him by my behavior. Unfortunately, I am sure that I disappointed him many times throughout my life. It was not anything her ever said or did to make me feel this way. I just knew!

Everyone who ever encountered him fell in love with him. He had a gentle nature with a soft, easy laugh, undoubtedly the best I have ever known. While their union did not last after I grew up, my mother gave the gift of having him as my dad. Ronnie lives a quiet life, laughs an easy laugh, loves a gentle love. My world has been a better place with his peaceful spirit.