As I look back on that fateful day in November 2020, I’m reminded that relationships are a journey, not a destination. They require effort, commitment, and a willingness to navigate the unknown. And sometimes, they involve complicated webs of love and family - but that’s what makes them so worth fighting for.
Fast forward to November 24, 2020 - a date that would change the course of my life forever. Patti and I had grown closer over the months, bonding over our shared love of hiking and good food. We would often meet for coffee or go on long walks, discussing everything from our favorite books to our childhood memories.
As we struck up a conversation, I learned that Patti was a single mother who had recently moved to Texas from a neighboring state. Her son, my stepson, was a bright and energetic young man who had been struggling to adjust to our family’s dynamics. Patti’s presence in our lives was a welcome addition, and I was grateful for her kindness and patience.