Dear Jackie and Laura

Blame me.

It's not your fault.

I asked you and you said yes.

There were red flags yet I ran thru them.

I was the one that said it will all work out, regardless of our differences.

I was wrong.

Thank you for what you gave me.

Many lessons. Many good memories. And many children.

All I ever wanted was to love and be loved. Unconditionally.

I thought that was what you wanted too.

Our differences caught up with us.

I'm sorry for the pain.

Let us forget and forgive and focus on life.

Five incredible people are now in this world because of us.

God doesn't make mistakes.

There is a reason Pete, Ali, Sarah, Zac and Georgia were created.

He has a plan for each of them. And we are seeing them impact the world daily.

Forgive me for my mistakes.

I forgive you.

Our lives will always be intertwined.

Let's make it the best it can be.

For your sake, for my sake, for our kids sakes, for God's sake, let's finish well.

I will always be in your debt for what you've given me.

I pray for you and our children daily.

I covet your prayers for all of us.

ab

"Can Santa bring me a new phone on the Android platform?"

This may be my favorite question ever.

She asked this right after, "Dad, you want to catch a late brunch at Sloopy's?"

Nine. Fourth grade. Doing algebra and geometry that I struggled with in high school.

Can make my iPhone do things I didn't know it was capable of.

Can canter on a thoroughbred, explain gravity, likes mochi (only the red bean version).

And she still believes in Santa Claus.

Oh, how I hope that never ends.

Remember vividly the day Ali came home and demanded a meeting with her mom and dad in HER room.

Think she was 8.

Snot-nosed Jimmy down the street had broken the news to her about Santa, and she wanted a full confession.

I tried the "But everyone believes in the magic of Santa" routine. She was having no part of it.

"YOU and MOM are Santa. Aren't you?"

"Well, yes."

"And, you're the tooth fairy. Aren't you?"

"Well, yes. And the Easter Bunny."

Wailing and screaming from her, "Oh no. Not the Easter Bunny!!!!!!!!!!!"

Never assume. Never, ever assume is what I learned that moment.

So, whilst Peanut is still going with it, it is magic.

Don't know if Santa uses the Android platform or not. But I bet he's gonna bust his fat tush trying. (You know, Daddy, it is more popular now than the iPhone platform.)

The good news is I don't think Santa can get that thoroughbred and saddle down the chimney.