Memoirs of a Crazy Childhood Chapter 11....

I remember when I first met my Dad, only then he was my mom's new boyfriend and we called him Don.  They took us to Parklane Mall which was a brand new mall and we got to walk around the mall like a family.  I was so excited because I didn't have a dad anymore, all my other friends did, but mine was gone.  I remember walking through the mall with such pride because me and my brother were walking with my mom and Don who looked like he would be our dad.  Don was so nice to us that day and I felt so special and loved when he bought me a balloon.  I was pretty young maybe 6 or 7 and I remember feeling devastated when I accidently let go of the string and the balloon went up to the ceiling.  I think I was probably crying, but Don got maintenance and had them get a ladder so I could get my balloon off the ceiling.  He could have easily bought me another balloon, but I think he knew how special that particular balloon was to me, so he made sure I got it back.

As I look back at this memory, I also am reminded of times he would have maintenance at Raley's come to our rescue when as children we would lose our coins in the toy machines.  I loved that about my dad.  It was embarrassing at times as a kid, but now that I look back I see what it meant.  He would not leave the store or mall until we had that nickel toy, we weren't spoiled by any means but that day in the Mall I remember wishing my mom would marry Don so he could be my dad forever.........That wish came true......I love you Dad.

I'm crying........I miss you so much!