Here it is the fifth of July already, and I noticed the date on my last post was June 3rd. Wow. The last four weeks have been nothing short of a blur. As mentioned in that last post, we did get moved and are only beginning to "settle in." I call this particular change in housing my first real move, only because all of my previous moves were very simple - I had only myself to move. This time, however, we had a family of five to move. Much more than merely a couple of pickup loads. It was quite the daunting task, but even more daunting is the looming task of unpacking, deciding where to store things, and making the new house our home. Still, there is a strong sense of excitement as we walk the halls of the new house. Mandi and I often find ourselves commenting how much we love it, sometimes several times a day. Good stuff, and thanks to our dear friends Nicki and Alex and their daughter Hailey, as well as my brother and his wife, for all of their fantastic assistance in moving. We couldn't have done it without them!
And I'll be darned if my favorite holiday of the year has come to pass already. I will indeed be darned. Yes, the 4th of July, 2008 is in the history books, and I now have the excruciatingly long wait until next year before I can once again hold a beer in one hand, an explosive in the other, and feel good about it. I made the most of the holiday this year, as Mandi and I spend the evening of the third with close friends, beer, live music, and, of course, fireworks. Yesterday was Mandi's birthday, so I let her sleep in while the kids and I ate breakfast and headed out to get some fireworks for them. We then took Mandi to lunch at Applebees, and were joined by the aforementioned Nicki, Alex, and Hailey. After lunch, we came home to watch the kids shoot fireworks, then I headed off to help shoot a display for the town of Fremont. It was the biggest show I've ever been a part of, and it was amazing. Big shells, and lots of them!
Well, that quickly and briefly catches you up to the latest with the Campbell Clan. I hope this slacker blogger can soon begin posting on more of a regular basis, as I have lots of topics but just so little precious time right now. Here's to all of you, and I hope your journeys are continuing to be good ones!
Peace.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
'Dogs and Cats Living Together - Mass Hysteria!!'
Quick - name the movie from which the title line came from (cue Jeopardy theme)..................if you said Ghostbusters, you'd be our big winner! I use that line often, and usually when life is just plain crazy, as it has been the last couple weeks. Check this out, yo;
After having our house on the market for nearly three months, and having several folks go through it, we got a call on the Thursday before last about a couple that was very interested. They needed to work out some financing, and then our guy would be in touch with our people, blah blah blah. They made us an offer, which was silly, so we gave them our bottom dollar. On Tuesday of last week, we got a call that they were willing to accept our price, and the financing had worked out. Exciting stuff, right?? Except that we would be homeless come July 1st if we hadn't found another home.....gulp. All of a sudden, we realized that if we had not found a home, made a deal, worked out our financing, and set a closing date all within a few days, we would never be able to close and move before July 1st. Holy &*%!
Okay, so, we sold our house last Tuesday, and immediately called our realtor with a list of houses we wanted to look at the very next day. He hooked us up, and we visited two or three, the last of which was one we had seen over and over and just kept coming back to see again. We finally figured it out; we needed to make an offer. So, back to the realtor's office to begin the billion sheets of paperwork. We made an offer, and gave the sellers until 6:00 p.m. that evening to respond. I went on to work, anxiously awaiting a call from Mandi as to the news. And call she did, at about 6:45, to say the seller had accepted our offer.
That's right, I said the seller accepted our offer!
Are you processing this, people? In about a twenty-four hour period, we sold our house, made an offer on another one, and set a closing date. Again I say, Holy &*%! We are now set to close on the 20th of June, will do just a bit of painting, and move the last weekend in June. It has been a whirlwind of a week, but quite an exciting one! Oh, and on top of all the happenings, I moved to third shift on the Thursday after we made the deal on the new house. If you've ever worked the night shift before, you know it takes some time to adjust, so you can imagine how crazy these last few days truly have been.
And, I don't anticipate things letting up for quite some time. Y'all have probably moved enough to know it's quite the task, so the days and weeks ahead will be filled with packing and general preparation, as well as last-minute details with the new house. I'll keep ya posted.
One more comment before I close - I previously promised I would tell you all about the new product I am proud to be a part of, and I still intend to do so in the near future. It's exciting stuff, and look for more on it very soon!
Dogs and cats living together - mass hysteria!!
Peace.
After having our house on the market for nearly three months, and having several folks go through it, we got a call on the Thursday before last about a couple that was very interested. They needed to work out some financing, and then our guy would be in touch with our people, blah blah blah. They made us an offer, which was silly, so we gave them our bottom dollar. On Tuesday of last week, we got a call that they were willing to accept our price, and the financing had worked out. Exciting stuff, right?? Except that we would be homeless come July 1st if we hadn't found another home.....gulp. All of a sudden, we realized that if we had not found a home, made a deal, worked out our financing, and set a closing date all within a few days, we would never be able to close and move before July 1st. Holy &*%!
Okay, so, we sold our house last Tuesday, and immediately called our realtor with a list of houses we wanted to look at the very next day. He hooked us up, and we visited two or three, the last of which was one we had seen over and over and just kept coming back to see again. We finally figured it out; we needed to make an offer. So, back to the realtor's office to begin the billion sheets of paperwork. We made an offer, and gave the sellers until 6:00 p.m. that evening to respond. I went on to work, anxiously awaiting a call from Mandi as to the news. And call she did, at about 6:45, to say the seller had accepted our offer.
That's right, I said the seller accepted our offer!
Are you processing this, people? In about a twenty-four hour period, we sold our house, made an offer on another one, and set a closing date. Again I say, Holy &*%! We are now set to close on the 20th of June, will do just a bit of painting, and move the last weekend in June. It has been a whirlwind of a week, but quite an exciting one! Oh, and on top of all the happenings, I moved to third shift on the Thursday after we made the deal on the new house. If you've ever worked the night shift before, you know it takes some time to adjust, so you can imagine how crazy these last few days truly have been.
And, I don't anticipate things letting up for quite some time. Y'all have probably moved enough to know it's quite the task, so the days and weeks ahead will be filled with packing and general preparation, as well as last-minute details with the new house. I'll keep ya posted.
One more comment before I close - I previously promised I would tell you all about the new product I am proud to be a part of, and I still intend to do so in the near future. It's exciting stuff, and look for more on it very soon!
Dogs and cats living together - mass hysteria!!
Peace.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Running Club
Saturday mornings are usually reserved for sleeping in, as they are the only mornings out of the week that my schedule allows for it. This morning, however, would be different. I got myself out of bed and across town to join a few members of our church for the inaugural meeting of the new running club. There were only a handful of us, but we are hoping our enthusiasm will spread to other members who are teetering on the edge of whether or not to join us. It was a fun time this morning as we ran about a mile-and-a-half, then sat down for a cup of coffee at the Mill.
If you would have told me a few months ago that I would be interested, passionate even, about running, I would have laughed at you, called you silly, and moved on. Thus, I found myself in one of those surreal states this morning as I trotted alongside some of who I consider Lincoln's top runners. The pastor of our church, who just ran the Boston Marathon, ran alongside me. Our club coordinator, who just ran the Lincoln Marathon, was with us as well. I kept asking myself if this group was where I really belonged in these early stages of learning the sport of running. I was a bit nervous as I drove across town, as I wondered just how I would fare alongside these more experienced runners. I'm glad I didn't allow my nervousness to stop me. Our time together was an incredible experience, and I have a good feeling I'm going to learn lots in the days and weeks ahead as I set my sites on next year's Lincoln Marathon.
This morning's fellowship taught me several things, but two lessons in particular stand out the most. First, every runner, no matter how experienced, started somewhere. I'm no different, and I was relieved to learn the pastor and the coordinator used to be in the same boat as I currently am. Second, I was thankful to learn that my running experience thus far is paying off, as it was not difficult to keep pace with the group. Granted, it was a slower pace and not that far, but it's still progress for me. Six months ago, I couldn't have done what I did this morning.
And so I go from here, excited to be seriously running for the first time in my life, excited to have goals and aspirations, and excited to be tweaking and toning the overall health of my body.
Peace.
If you would have told me a few months ago that I would be interested, passionate even, about running, I would have laughed at you, called you silly, and moved on. Thus, I found myself in one of those surreal states this morning as I trotted alongside some of who I consider Lincoln's top runners. The pastor of our church, who just ran the Boston Marathon, ran alongside me. Our club coordinator, who just ran the Lincoln Marathon, was with us as well. I kept asking myself if this group was where I really belonged in these early stages of learning the sport of running. I was a bit nervous as I drove across town, as I wondered just how I would fare alongside these more experienced runners. I'm glad I didn't allow my nervousness to stop me. Our time together was an incredible experience, and I have a good feeling I'm going to learn lots in the days and weeks ahead as I set my sites on next year's Lincoln Marathon.
This morning's fellowship taught me several things, but two lessons in particular stand out the most. First, every runner, no matter how experienced, started somewhere. I'm no different, and I was relieved to learn the pastor and the coordinator used to be in the same boat as I currently am. Second, I was thankful to learn that my running experience thus far is paying off, as it was not difficult to keep pace with the group. Granted, it was a slower pace and not that far, but it's still progress for me. Six months ago, I couldn't have done what I did this morning.
And so I go from here, excited to be seriously running for the first time in my life, excited to have goals and aspirations, and excited to be tweaking and toning the overall health of my body.
Peace.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
United Methodist General Conference
You may or may not be aware that my religious background was cultivated in the United Methodist Church. My Grandfather was a Methodist pastor, my Grandmother spent years as an organist, teacher, and music director in the church, and I was in turn raised in the Methodist church. Even though I no longer attend a UM church, I try to keep up-to-speed on all the latest.
This year, the United Methodist General Conference convened, as it does every four years. I have been following it through Jeff's blog, and his post from earlier today was of particular interest to me. The conference debated the never-ending homosexuality issue, and the results of that debate and subsequent vote, are...um.......honestly, I'm at a loss for words to describe my feelings. Interesting is the first adjective that tempts me, but it doesn't seem adequate.
Tell ya what. I'll just let you read what I have read today, and you can form your own thoughts, opinions, and insight. I'd love to hear what you think, either by commenting on my blog, via email, or in person. Let's generate some good discussion. What'dya say?
Here's Jeff's post, entitled "General Conference - The Sexuality Issue." In Jeff's post, you'll find another link to a blog which summarizes the entire day of debate on this issue. Happy reading, and I can't wait to hear from you.
This year, the United Methodist General Conference convened, as it does every four years. I have been following it through Jeff's blog, and his post from earlier today was of particular interest to me. The conference debated the never-ending homosexuality issue, and the results of that debate and subsequent vote, are...um.......honestly, I'm at a loss for words to describe my feelings. Interesting is the first adjective that tempts me, but it doesn't seem adequate.
Tell ya what. I'll just let you read what I have read today, and you can form your own thoughts, opinions, and insight. I'd love to hear what you think, either by commenting on my blog, via email, or in person. Let's generate some good discussion. What'dya say?
Here's Jeff's post, entitled "General Conference - The Sexuality Issue." In Jeff's post, you'll find another link to a blog which summarizes the entire day of debate on this issue. Happy reading, and I can't wait to hear from you.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
No Regrets
If you haven't read my previous post, that's quite alright, but you might scroll down a bit and take a look at what I chose for a title to that post before reading my commentary this time.....wait! On second thought, maybe you should check out that title after reading the following story. I'm guessing you'll fill your pants either way, but waiting might help you fill them a bit fuller. Which, of course, is what I aim to achieve. So, here goes....
A friend and I hit the road Friday afternoon traveling due North, bound for the fine city of Sioux Falls, SD, for a shooter's school for pyrotechnics. We were very much looking forward to the opportunity to get away for awhile, make some contacts, and hopefully learn a few things we didn't already know with regards to the fine art of professional fireworks. Of course, Old Man Winter was still having a very hard time letting go, as is typically the case during a mid-West April. We fluctuate between winter and spring all month long, and this weekend seemed to favor winter. After checking the weather forecast, I packed accordingly and was prepared for a chilly weekend.
During our three-hour trek, my friend and I found ourselves engaged in a philosophical discussion on how precious life is, and how we tend to take it for granted all too often. We both have the same basic goal, that being not to take any regrets with us when our time comes. I came to the realization years ago that the only guarantee we have in this life is that we will die. And since we have no clue when that time might come, we had better make the most of the days with which we have been blessed. The discussion unfolded from there as we talked about goals and aspirations, achievements and failures. We've all had these types of discussions in the past, I'm quite sure, but they never seem to get old.
On the heels of this discussion we found ourselves driving into what was becoming a bit of a snowstorm. Now, mind you, I am from Nebraska and have driven through my share of pretty nasty winter weather. This particular storm was nothing, comparatively speaking. As we approached Sioux Falls, however, it seemed to be getting a bit worse. Even so, it certainly wasn't anything to write home about. At least not until after we had encountered, "the bridge."
Before I continue, allow me to sidetrack a bit: You know those annoying little signs they always post right before bridges warning you that the bridge may be icy? "CAUTION: BRIDGE MAY BE ICY." Even in the dead of August when it's 10,000 degrees outside, those stupid signs are still there. "CAUTION: BRIDGE MAY BE ICY" Hello? Roads department? Have you noticed how frickin' hot it is out here?? Could ya maybe consider taking down your god damn sign until it's really necessary? But I digress...you see, because those signs are up all year, I have come to the point that I don't necessarily pay attention to them anymore. I know they are there, but I rarely consider what they have to say might actually be true.
Back to "the bridge." We began to ascend toward the peak of a bridge, and as we crossed the actual bridge, I began to realize I had lost all control of the truck and we were sliding at 75 mph. In a fraction of a second, many thoughts went through my mind, including a recap of the discussion we had just entertained ourselves with for an hour. My natural instincts to over-correct the steering wheel kicked in, and I began to turn the wheel in the direction I felt it needed to go. I then realized (still within this fraction of a second, mind you) that if we hit the dry pavement with my wheels cranked as they were, we would most-certainly roll, and who knows if we would survive. So, I began to steer the wheel back a bit in the hopes of saving the spin once we hit the dry pavement.
We were sliding closer and closer to the median, and quite honestly, I had no clue how this was going to end. At some point during the split second we were out-of-control, I remember thinking we would be fortunate if all we did was end up in the median. I knew, even after correcting myself with the wheels, that rolling was a distinct possibility. Amazing what the mind can process in a such a brief moment of time. Somehow, someway, we fishtailed a bit after we got past the ice and ended up in the same direction we started in, and on all four tires. No harm, no foul. Shaken? You bet. Pale? Absolutely. Lucky? Without a doubt.
Now I don't know if this whole incident was meant to happen in order to reinforce to myself my own preaching, but the timing of it all sure seems sensational. I am thankful to have been blessed with life, I am thankful for having survived our South Dakota bridge incident, and I will go forward from here with an even greater appreciation. Oh, and I will damn hard to take no regrets to my grave.
Peace.
A friend and I hit the road Friday afternoon traveling due North, bound for the fine city of Sioux Falls, SD, for a shooter's school for pyrotechnics. We were very much looking forward to the opportunity to get away for awhile, make some contacts, and hopefully learn a few things we didn't already know with regards to the fine art of professional fireworks. Of course, Old Man Winter was still having a very hard time letting go, as is typically the case during a mid-West April. We fluctuate between winter and spring all month long, and this weekend seemed to favor winter. After checking the weather forecast, I packed accordingly and was prepared for a chilly weekend.
During our three-hour trek, my friend and I found ourselves engaged in a philosophical discussion on how precious life is, and how we tend to take it for granted all too often. We both have the same basic goal, that being not to take any regrets with us when our time comes. I came to the realization years ago that the only guarantee we have in this life is that we will die. And since we have no clue when that time might come, we had better make the most of the days with which we have been blessed. The discussion unfolded from there as we talked about goals and aspirations, achievements and failures. We've all had these types of discussions in the past, I'm quite sure, but they never seem to get old.
On the heels of this discussion we found ourselves driving into what was becoming a bit of a snowstorm. Now, mind you, I am from Nebraska and have driven through my share of pretty nasty winter weather. This particular storm was nothing, comparatively speaking. As we approached Sioux Falls, however, it seemed to be getting a bit worse. Even so, it certainly wasn't anything to write home about. At least not until after we had encountered, "the bridge."
Before I continue, allow me to sidetrack a bit: You know those annoying little signs they always post right before bridges warning you that the bridge may be icy? "CAUTION: BRIDGE MAY BE ICY." Even in the dead of August when it's 10,000 degrees outside, those stupid signs are still there. "CAUTION: BRIDGE MAY BE ICY" Hello? Roads department? Have you noticed how frickin' hot it is out here?? Could ya maybe consider taking down your god damn sign until it's really necessary? But I digress...you see, because those signs are up all year, I have come to the point that I don't necessarily pay attention to them anymore. I know they are there, but I rarely consider what they have to say might actually be true.
Back to "the bridge." We began to ascend toward the peak of a bridge, and as we crossed the actual bridge, I began to realize I had lost all control of the truck and we were sliding at 75 mph. In a fraction of a second, many thoughts went through my mind, including a recap of the discussion we had just entertained ourselves with for an hour. My natural instincts to over-correct the steering wheel kicked in, and I began to turn the wheel in the direction I felt it needed to go. I then realized (still within this fraction of a second, mind you) that if we hit the dry pavement with my wheels cranked as they were, we would most-certainly roll, and who knows if we would survive. So, I began to steer the wheel back a bit in the hopes of saving the spin once we hit the dry pavement.
We were sliding closer and closer to the median, and quite honestly, I had no clue how this was going to end. At some point during the split second we were out-of-control, I remember thinking we would be fortunate if all we did was end up in the median. I knew, even after correcting myself with the wheels, that rolling was a distinct possibility. Amazing what the mind can process in a such a brief moment of time. Somehow, someway, we fishtailed a bit after we got past the ice and ended up in the same direction we started in, and on all four tires. No harm, no foul. Shaken? You bet. Pale? Absolutely. Lucky? Without a doubt.
Now I don't know if this whole incident was meant to happen in order to reinforce to myself my own preaching, but the timing of it all sure seems sensational. I am thankful to have been blessed with life, I am thankful for having survived our South Dakota bridge incident, and I will go forward from here with an even greater appreciation. Oh, and I will damn hard to take no regrets to my grave.
Peace.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
I'm Still Alive!!!!!
How in God's name can it be April 20th already? How is that possible?? I swear I just finished wrapping gifts and placing them underneath the Christmas tree, and yet here we are on the verge of Spring already. Funny how that works, because as fast as time has seemingly blown right on by, this winter has been especially long and harsh, at least compared to the last several Nebraska winters.
But I didn't come here to tell you that today.
Actually, I'm not at all sure what exactly I did come here to tell you. I've got so many different topics floating around in the dark crevices of my bean that I'm not so sure where to begin. In all honesty, I guess the real reason for this particular post is to simply let you know that I am still amongst the living and breathing. I'm still here. Usually. At least in the flesh.
Still, for lack of a better way of recapping all that has occurred since the last time I posted anything (which was about the exciting end to the adoption proceedings - you can read it here), I'm going to provide a short list of the events that have taken place:
Our church hosted its biggest outreach event of the year the weekend before Easter, called the Big Hunt. Hundreds of kids and their parents, thousands of candy-stuffed plastic eggs, tons of prizes, tons of food, tons of fun. My wife was a volunteer, which took lots of her time during the few weeks before the event. My contribution was to stay home with the kids so she could contribute directly. That's okay, right?
Our house officially went on the market several weeks ago, and we have begun looking for a bigger and better place. We have sort of stalled though. We've had a couple of serious lookers, but they have not panned out. At least not yet. Things just aren't moving very fast right now, though we've been told the market is on the brink of change. Still, it's proven to be an excruciating process thus far, if for no other reason that the waiting game.
Kaedyn started Spring soccer. He's in a more competitive league this year, though still run by the YMCA. He has really made some progress in his abilities. It's enough to bring tears of pride to his Dad's eyes. His first few games were on Friday evenings, which prevented me from attending due to work. But he had one this afternoon (Sunday), so I finally got to see him play. He really has command of his game, and communicates with his teammates very well. He even scored this afternoon, too! It was quite exciting!!
Mandi and I attended her sister's wedding in Florida this past weekend. It was amazing. Seriously. We flew out of Omaha early Saturday morning, and it was blowing, snowing, and cold. When we landed on Marco Island, Florida, it was 86 degrees, sunny, and wonderful! We spend three days at Marco Beach Ocean Resort, and made the absolute most of our time. We went on a excursion to see dolphins and hunt for sea shells, spent lots and lots of time on the beach, went on a private cruise into the gulf to watch the sunset, then enjoyed a fancy dinner and drinks after the wedding itself. An incredible time we won't soon forget, and I will post pictures very soon.
And finally, you had to know this was coming. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the Huskers officially kicked off the Bo Pelini era with their annual Red-White Spring Game this weekend. It was only the second time in NCAA history that a Spring game has been sold out. 82,000+ packed the old stadium to cheer on the...uh...er...Big Red, and, um, Big White, I guess. Anyway, so it was just a practice. If you don't know anything about Husker Football, I can't possibly expect you to understand. It's exciting. Anticipation is once again very high, and lots of folks are hoping the new coaching staff will usher in some good old fashioned Nebraska-style smash-mouth football.
Well, that's mostly it. I've had a few other events dotted in and amongst what I have listed above. Definitely enough to keep me very busy. I will leave you with this - I briefly mentioned in the past a new adventure I have begun. I am growing more and more passionate about this adventure with each passing day. I am going to do a full write-up on it in my next post, which will be in the next few days, and I can't wait to tell you about it. Until then, peace.
But I didn't come here to tell you that today.
Actually, I'm not at all sure what exactly I did come here to tell you. I've got so many different topics floating around in the dark crevices of my bean that I'm not so sure where to begin. In all honesty, I guess the real reason for this particular post is to simply let you know that I am still amongst the living and breathing. I'm still here. Usually. At least in the flesh.
Still, for lack of a better way of recapping all that has occurred since the last time I posted anything (which was about the exciting end to the adoption proceedings - you can read it here), I'm going to provide a short list of the events that have taken place:
Our church hosted its biggest outreach event of the year the weekend before Easter, called the Big Hunt. Hundreds of kids and their parents, thousands of candy-stuffed plastic eggs, tons of prizes, tons of food, tons of fun. My wife was a volunteer, which took lots of her time during the few weeks before the event. My contribution was to stay home with the kids so she could contribute directly. That's okay, right?
Our house officially went on the market several weeks ago, and we have begun looking for a bigger and better place. We have sort of stalled though. We've had a couple of serious lookers, but they have not panned out. At least not yet. Things just aren't moving very fast right now, though we've been told the market is on the brink of change. Still, it's proven to be an excruciating process thus far, if for no other reason that the waiting game.
Kaedyn started Spring soccer. He's in a more competitive league this year, though still run by the YMCA. He has really made some progress in his abilities. It's enough to bring tears of pride to his Dad's eyes. His first few games were on Friday evenings, which prevented me from attending due to work. But he had one this afternoon (Sunday), so I finally got to see him play. He really has command of his game, and communicates with his teammates very well. He even scored this afternoon, too! It was quite exciting!!
Mandi and I attended her sister's wedding in Florida this past weekend. It was amazing. Seriously. We flew out of Omaha early Saturday morning, and it was blowing, snowing, and cold. When we landed on Marco Island, Florida, it was 86 degrees, sunny, and wonderful! We spend three days at Marco Beach Ocean Resort, and made the absolute most of our time. We went on a excursion to see dolphins and hunt for sea shells, spent lots and lots of time on the beach, went on a private cruise into the gulf to watch the sunset, then enjoyed a fancy dinner and drinks after the wedding itself. An incredible time we won't soon forget, and I will post pictures very soon.
And finally, you had to know this was coming. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the Huskers officially kicked off the Bo Pelini era with their annual Red-White Spring Game this weekend. It was only the second time in NCAA history that a Spring game has been sold out. 82,000+ packed the old stadium to cheer on the...uh...er...Big Red, and, um, Big White, I guess. Anyway, so it was just a practice. If you don't know anything about Husker Football, I can't possibly expect you to understand. It's exciting. Anticipation is once again very high, and lots of folks are hoping the new coaching staff will usher in some good old fashioned Nebraska-style smash-mouth football.
Well, that's mostly it. I've had a few other events dotted in and amongst what I have listed above. Definitely enough to keep me very busy. I will leave you with this - I briefly mentioned in the past a new adventure I have begun. I am growing more and more passionate about this adventure with each passing day. I am going to do a full write-up on it in my next post, which will be in the next few days, and I can't wait to tell you about it. Until then, peace.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
It's A Boy!
We'll call it 11:36 a.m. officially. That was about the time yesterday's adoption hearing ended, and about the time Kaedyn became a Campbell and is from this day forward, legally considered my son. While the relationship between he and I has not, nor will not change, it is incredibly satisfying to now have all of the legal rights as a father. I no longer have to concern myself with the legal ramifications of trying to protect Kaedyn from his biological father. No more worries of being in contempt by not allowing court-ordered visitations. No more worries about who has what rights, legally and/or morally. It's very refreshing, and a wonderful feeling, and thanks to all of you who offered words of support and encouragement.
As far as the hearing itself, it was much easier and much quicker than we had anticipated. Per our attorney, we expected a line of questioning from the judge pertaining to the parental responsibility Andy (Kaedyn's bio-father) had displayed in recent months. Instead, he simply asked Kaedyn a few "small-talk" questions as he signed the papers, and that was that. Our attorney said nary a word, besides to thank the judge when the hearing ended. It all happened so quick, we found ourselves a bit dazed. Oh, and in case you hadn't figured it out, Andy did not appear yesterday. Which begs the question of whether or not he even knew the hearing was taking place. Doesn't matter now, I guess.
I'm certainly not ignorant enough to think we'll never have to deal with him again, as I'm sure the time will come when Andy will call or stop by with a desire to see Kaedyn. And, I'm certain there will come a time in the future, near or distant, when Kaedyn will express a desire to see Andy. Therein lies the challenge; we will go forward from here, but very carefully so as to remain open, understanding, and sensitive to Kaedyn's feelings about and toward Andy.
But for now, Kaedyn is legally my son as of 11:36 a.m. yesterday, which means I need to give that guy at the tobacco shop a call - going to need a box of "It's a Boy!" cigars!!
As far as the hearing itself, it was much easier and much quicker than we had anticipated. Per our attorney, we expected a line of questioning from the judge pertaining to the parental responsibility Andy (Kaedyn's bio-father) had displayed in recent months. Instead, he simply asked Kaedyn a few "small-talk" questions as he signed the papers, and that was that. Our attorney said nary a word, besides to thank the judge when the hearing ended. It all happened so quick, we found ourselves a bit dazed. Oh, and in case you hadn't figured it out, Andy did not appear yesterday. Which begs the question of whether or not he even knew the hearing was taking place. Doesn't matter now, I guess.
I'm certainly not ignorant enough to think we'll never have to deal with him again, as I'm sure the time will come when Andy will call or stop by with a desire to see Kaedyn. And, I'm certain there will come a time in the future, near or distant, when Kaedyn will express a desire to see Andy. Therein lies the challenge; we will go forward from here, but very carefully so as to remain open, understanding, and sensitive to Kaedyn's feelings about and toward Andy.
But for now, Kaedyn is legally my son as of 11:36 a.m. yesterday, which means I need to give that guy at the tobacco shop a call - going to need a box of "It's a Boy!" cigars!!
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