Yes, the naps were a bit messed up and yes, they fussed in the car (OK, screamed a bit) and yes, they didn't get a bath every night (um, they didn't get a bath at all, but we did do a washcloth) because it was too hard to find a suitable place to bathe them BUT overall it was good.
We were able to get them out for nature walks both days visiting this reservoir and this gorgeous Japanese garden and we were able to catch up with not only Chicken's father, but also her brother, his wife and their son (who is 10 days older than the twins).
Of course the whole point of the trip--why we were invited--was to meet Big Gay Dad's new boyfriend. BGD told us a few weeks ago that he was not only dating again (already) but that he had a boyfriend. Honestly, we were shocked. It seemed too soon. His partner, "Brock" died in April from an 8 month battle with lung cancer. His ceremony was in June...and now it's only August and you're...dating. Seriously, dating?
But I don't know what it's like to lose my partner to a slow, evil disease. I don't know how I would act/react. Maybe I would go on Mat.ch.com, too and throw myself into the dating world so I didn't have to feel so much pain. I don't know.
Regardless, we not only met the new BF, we stayed at his house for the weekend. I almost feel sorry for BF. BGD is having all of the family members meet him, they've only been dating for 2 months and he's getting an instant family. Not just an instant family, but one who adored Brock, spent the last decade with him and is still mourning him. BF is no Brock.
Brock was gay his whole life, but he was an upstate outdoorsy man. He camped, hiked, fished, cooked, skied, biked, played tennis and was an avid sailor. He was a writer and a poet, a sculptor, glass maker and jewelry designer. He could do just about anything he tried and he tried many things throughout his life.
We would often go up in the summertime and take the sailboat to one of the many islands on Lake George and go camping. One thing Brock was really looking forward to was having grandchildren. I believe he would have been the perfect male role model for my boys and we couldn't wait for them to meet him and spend time with him upstate in the country.
We are so thankful Brock was able to hold on until he could meet and hold his grandsons.
Meeting BF made us realize even more how much we miss Brock. Since we were not able to attend his ceremony, Chicken and I never properly grieved. Quite unexpectedly, this weekend propelled us into grieving. The realization that BF will never camp, hike, get dirty, play tennis or sail with our boys. BF is a former dancer with Martha Graha.m. He is an antiques dealer. He is very, very femmy. He's not so good with babies...or the outdoors.
Chicken's dad is a wonderful grandfather and we are lucky to have him, but oh what a pair he and Brock made.
We found ourselves crying in bed and holding one another as we realized the shattered dreams for our boys. Brock would have been the best grandpa ever and this weekend made us miss him more than ever.
The last time we saw Brock before he got sick was the day we told him we were pregnant with twins. Brock was a twin. He was filled with happiness for me. He was the only father figure I've ever had. I really miss him and I'm not ready for someone else to take his place.
7 comments:
Oh my, what a tangled web of emotions. I too would think that it is too soon, but why do people do certain things... Who knows. I am so sorry you both are grieving. Much love.
Oh, Puffer. Grief is a sneaky thing, isn't it? Just when you're not expecting it, it completely envelops you.
I am so sorry for your loss, and for the floodgate that opened this weekend. Sending comforts and hugs your way!
After losing his wife to a long battle with cancer, my dad immediately started wife shopping because he couldn't handle being alone. I think this is how some people get through the grief, and in my experience, they don't tend to make the best choices. I suppose it's sort of akin to a rebound relationship.
I can certainly see why this would throw you into your grieving, and I'm so, so sorry for what is clearly an incredible loss. xo
Wow !
I remember when my grandma died. I don't even think it had been a month when he was asking the "ladies" out to dinner.
I think it's a guy thing. They can't handle being alone.
I'm sorry about the new BF. He actually sounds great and his life experiences might be nice to get to know. I wonder how far this relationship will go ? Maybe it's a rebound.
I think it's sweet that he chose someone completely opposite from Brock. I can't imagine someone coming in a lot like Brock....it would feel like he was trying to replace him.
I'm glad that you were able to grieve.
It sounds like those babies are CHAMPS !
My grandfather died 5 years ago, and what I was unprepared for was the grief I would feel again at becoming pregnant and realizing my child would never meet her great grandfather, who was truly amazing.
Like my dad told me when I was very upset unexpectedly over his death, "he isn't something we get over. his death is a hole we walk around and sometimes fall into".
I am so sorry for the loss of someone who was obviously so important and beloved in your life. Regardless of the outcome of BGD's new BF, it does sound like you had a chance to get in touch with some of your grief, which might not be a bad thing. You can totally make Brock a character for Grunter & W2 in stories and family tales, to keep his memory alive. It sounds like he was the kind of guys who generates lots of stories.
sounds intense. i'm so sorry for the loss.
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