Rod Day thanks 'unsung hero'
By Rod Day
Once again to my only child, Dearest Danice,
Though you have been gone for over 200 days now, most of those who only know you through the media have probably forgotten that there was ever a problem. But, as I said before, your family and close friends have not and will not forget! This brings me to the reason for this letter. I feel that I have not been fair to one person that I will refer to as "the unsung hero."
Though she has unfairly been mentioned and referred to as "only the stepmother," or "only the grandparent," Judy day has been the real hero here, and she deserves a medal.
With me still trying to do a good job in my line of work, Judy stepped in and performed above and beyond the call of duty. Not only has she put up with my lack of concentration - but she has been as much of a parent to Joshua as any grandparent could. I started to say "as any mom could" - but you, Danice, are his mom - and I know Judy would never want that any other way.
You would be so proud to see how Joshua has grown and matured. Judy has him potty trained and dressing himself. She always has him clean, and in clean clothes. He always has a clean bed to sleep in. She got him a swimming pool and swing set. She even got him his own television and Barney tapes.
Physically, Joshua is doing just fine. Emotionally? He is a three-year-old who has had his mother taken away from him when he was two and one-half years old. Of course, he still thinks of you, and we feel he still thinks you are coming to pick him up after a brief stay at Grandma and Grandpa's. And that takes us back to the "real hero" - Judy has been there every step of the way - whether it has been an emotional hill or an emotional valley.
You would be proud of your step mom - I am.
By the way, thanks to an understanding judge, we will be seeing more of Kaylie starting this month. We are excited about it and looking forward to possibly having some input into her life. We want to ensure that she does not grow up not knowing who her mom is/was. I will keep you posted as we rekindle our relationship with your baby and our granddaughter.
As usual, it is a daily mental struggle to keep our senses intact. Family and friends help with that - your babies help with that.
I better close before my anger starts kicking again.
I will wait for God to point the way.