Reaction time.

We have now completed 2 round trips to Wilmington. They went off with no problem. Ella was in great hands with my mother one 2-3 occasions so we could go out to eat.

This writing will be about a different family, a family that I have come to know so well and that has come to know me just as well. A family that has been there for me since the death of my birth father in 1998. We hear and say on a regular basis that just because gives birth to you, does not make that person a parent. This is true with people that DID NOT have parents that loved them. You see, in my situation I had two fantastic and loving parents. My mother is still in this world and loves me to this day. She has become a smashing grand parent.

You see, around that time (1997-1998) I had cool Sunday School teachers at the time. They only taught Sunday School once every 4-6 weeks. But no one is my high school Sunday School class wanted to miss the Sundays when "they" taught.

The Carters were the awesome teachers that I speak of.

Around the time that my father died, I only had know the Carters for about 5-6 months. Once my father died we became closer. I began to watch their children for them once a month or so and became pretty close with their extended family. Till this day, Mary Beth asks me if I have met ****** or *****. She forgets that I met these people 10 years ago.

While I won't bore you with anymore mushy details, I will tell you that they are awesome til this day.

I have seen their children grow up, one graduate from High School, one turn from a cute little girl to a beautiful woman, and the youngest grow from 3 feet tall to 6feet 2 inches. (or something.) The Carters accepted my wife Tessa from day one and now accept my daughter. Mike and Mary Beth are very prominent and well know doctors in the Wilmington area, who do not apologize about treating the patient and not just the symptoms. They treat their patients as they would someone in their family and they treat me as part of their family.

I am allowed to show up as I please, eat what I want, and say what I please. I can have heated discussions with Mary Beth about Religion and Politics, then tell her I love her after them. (OK... AND HUG for all you SICKO'S)

So.... Why did I title this post "Reaction Time"??

The reason this came to heart is because when Mike saw my daughter for the first time and picked her up, his reply was " Come to Grandpa" (REACTION)Need I say more? I shouldn't... but I am.

As a gift to Tessa and I getting married, Mike and Mary-Beth wanted to throw us a Wedding Brunch. (REACTION) When Ella was born, Mary Beth being a pediatrician gave us 24 hr phone call privileges if we had questions or problems. (REACTION)

Now, you look back at the friends in your life and tell me how many would talk to hell and back for you. One, Two, or maybe three? I know one that would for my family.

We are talking about friends that have truly become family members. Friends that you would introduce as your family.

My dad use to tell me, " You will probably only have 1-5 BEST friends in your life". He was right. However, the Carters are my family. No friendship there... All love. Today, love is my reaction for them.

Until next time... Be real, pray, and bless someone. Life is sooo short. BTW- Ella is 9lbs. 04 oz.

WOW!!