I draw a lot of parallels to Ted, his family life, and his divorce. 2 kids, a flaky "Ex" that operates solely with her own agenda in mind, financially and emotionally ruinous, he was the worker she was the -ahem- "caregiver", she got bored and started to look for excitement with other men. You get the picture.
Now I realize that this situation is in no way unique, there's a ton of men out there going "Really that happened to you to...". But, any time you get something that familiar this close in the family you have to take notice.
What hit me though was how much his two girls love him in the most geniune and sincere way. This isn't a "Paris Hilton Loves Her Daddy's Wallet" love. Or an "Amy Winehouse Loves Her Daddy Because He Let's Her Behave Like an Ass and Blames It on Everyone Else" love.
This is a true, honest love for a man with steadfast values, an honest heart and modest means.
It's not flashy. It's not permissive. It's not based on materialistic motive or intent. It is just the most wonderful example of two young women that have formed a bond of love, trust, and understanding between each of them. It was a joy to behold.
As we stood there watching his tribute DVD with a retrospective of 60-some-odd years of life it became readily apparent that he built his life around these girls. He tended his garden diligently and dutifully and the results are breathtaking. Love blossomed like no other, if ever there was a blue-ribbon example this was it.
Thank you Ted.
Thanks for showing me that even though life doesn't unfold like you want it. Even though the bumps you expect turn out to be craters the size of the moon at times, you can still make a wonderful and worthwhile journey. Watching you Saturday brought that into focus, and I thank all of you for letting me share in it.
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