Thank You So Much and A Mother's Love

[jodibelle352]

I have received the support that I truly needed from each one who responded to my post.
I hope all will understand that when I married David that Renee is and was always part of our relationship. She was only 8 when her mother passed and I did not marry David to ever take MaryAnn's place. NOBODY could ever do that. I did my best to make right decissions in regards to Renee as she was growing up and it has now been 36 yrs. and she is now 45 and her daughter, my grand-daughter is Erica is 20.
Since the 15th of Feb. I've have thought about our relationship as a family and situations that have taken place over the past 36 yrs. From deep within my heart and soul; Renee is my daughter in every sense of the word. Erica is my grand-daughter in every way possible and God help the person who does anything to contradict what I'm feeling.
At first I truly felt that I was letting MaryAnn down. I was unable to protect Renee and Erica from the vengance her brother was inflicting upon her daughter and grand-daughter. But David and I did everything we possibly could do. I went to the floral shop and had Renee delivered a fresh cut vase of flowers; 3 white carnations and 2 red roses. I wrote on the card "Hold your head high Sweety and never forget and know you are loved. The white carnations represent; Grandma, Grandpa and your Mother. The red roses represent Erica and yourself but NEVER will you ever be alone."
David and I have had so many discussions about the past over the past couple weeks and a realization for both of presented its self to us. After MaryAnn's passing, NEVER once did Uncle Gary or Aunt JoAnn EVER call and ask to have her for a day, a weekend or requested to spend any special time with her. Grandma and Grandpa Kasper always called, were always welcome in our home and when holiday's were upon us she was always allowed to go with them to spend time with them as well as her aunt and uncle but the reality that David and I have come to realize is that Gary and JoAnn NEVER made time for her on a one on one basis.
Right now if you were to speak with Renee she would say " I don't care about what happens anymore to Uncle Gary or Aunt JoAnn." The saddest thing of all is the knowledge that I'm not certain either of them ever carried for anyone else besides themselves. For each of them it's always been about "ME"!
Mom and Dad Kasper are no longer here to bail Gary out financially of his many misjudgements and lack of responsibility that he's shown over the years. JoAnn I'm afraid is going to learn the hard way that choosing to seperate herself from her niece and grandniece is going to be the worst mistake she's ever made.
March 16th starts the court proceedings of The State of Michigan vs Gary & Linda Kasper. They will be going before Judge Joslin who truly doesn't tolerate the promoting of inabling minors. I'm concerned that if Gary doesn't loose the attitude he has projected over the past few weeks and goes before Judge Joslin with the same attitude he's been displaying that things will not be pretty.
I have NO regrets for standing behind my daughter and grand-daughter. David and I have done all we possibly can and loving her unconditional from this moment on and forever is a no brainer. There is nothing or anyone who could ever change the love I have for Renee and Erica even though they are not mine biologically. In every possible way they are MINE.
Love and God Bless:
Jodi