Childless Not By Choice (est. 2002)

[Joanne]

Both my stepdaughters moved back to PA this spring/summer, living with their mother, about ten minutes from us. We see them maybe once a week, on Sunday afternoon. But we have enjoyed having them back in the area.

I really celebrate when we have some family time together. This past Sunday, my youngest stepdaughter, Katie, ran her fourth half-marathon, in downtown Philadelphia. Her stepfather dropped her off at the race in the morning but did not stay. We never asked nor did the girls say why their mother did not come down to watch the race. But Kelly, the oldest, met us at our house in the morning. Then Patrick, Kelly and I cheered Katie on. She saw us at her mid-point in the race. She finished right at 2:00 hours, 13.1 miles. Wow!!!

Then we all went back to our house after the race. As Katie took at shower, I ran to the store for breakfast treats. It was so nice for them to just hang out while I cooked breakfast, washed Katie's race clothes, and visited-like a family! Katie thanked us for coming down to the race. She said it really helped her and she really appreciated it.

Jessie (our dog) was so happy when all four of us came in the door. She loves when we are all together too. It was a nice morning.

I know that I cherish these few and far between moments because I did not get them with my own child. I did not get the Saturday morning sitting around the table moments. I feel like these moments are like a butterfly, fleeting and beautiful but not mine to catch. I watch for them, treasure the beauty in them and let them go.

Jo
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48-Married 11 years to Patrick (63), together for 18 years
Two stepdaughters, Kelly (33) and Katie (29)
Jessie, much loved dog
Endo and fibroids-4 laps, UFE, 2 miscarriages

[Cheezegrl]

Hi Joanne,

That sounds like a beautiful time. Celebrating her success and getting to have time with the four of you. I admire your outlook on seeing the butterfly.

It made me smile for you,
Julie
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Julie
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You must be the change you want to see in the world.
Mahatma Gandhi

[Abigail]

Hi Joanne, that's really lovely and beautiful moments you spend together with your family just the memorable one, as you all enjoy this time
Last week when my 2 and half year kid recite poems o the stage he looks so cute and after completing poem he started crying calling his mom Thats really a memorable moment when his mom is smiling and he is crying both with tears and i am smiling and captured that moment when he ran and hug his mom.
Really every moment we spend with our id is the memorable one..

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http://www.learningchocolate.com

[Krissyo]

You are blessed to have these times with the girls. Thank you for sharing this story and congrats on the race being completed in 2 hours.
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dh: Mark
Cats: Alli, Bean, & Zoe
CNBC Status: Hysterectomy November 1992
"You must seize every genuine characteristic that is you and allow it to take center stage in your life."

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