My Stepson--Warning sadness

Yesterday was the last weekend I got to see my stepson. I knew him since he was only a year old. He is 9 years old now and has always called me "Papa". I never forced that on him and I always tell him who his dad is. Furthermore, my daughter calls me Daddy. Having a blended home was a real learning experience.

But I am heartbroken and sad, since I am not sure if I will ever get to see him again. Perhaps when he is 18 and the memories of me are faded away. He gave me two hugs last night and I wept heavily after he left.

Now, I try to prepare my heartbroken soul for the real trauma, when my daughter leaves on Friday. I cannot bear the thought and it brings me to my knees in a helpless despair. I will be staying with my sister on Thursday and Friday to prepare for the storm that awaits me and fight the darkness that will try to consume me. I am not a religious man, but I have turned to prayer as a means of coping and trying my best to not collapse.

Trust me, I am trying to think of this in a positive way, but like I said I am on my knees a broken man, losing his family.

--sarc