Jim Kurth went through what I could only best describe as midlife crisis and in the midst of it he left my mom, moved in with another woman and filed for divorce. It was traumatic for some of my siblings but an incredible relief for me. It was hard to get used to the idea that he was gone.
One of the unexpected consequences of his departure was the return of my father into my life. It was an amazing experience that helped me understand the power a real father can have in a person’s life. Even though he still struggled with alcohol and had any number of other personal problems, my father had a whole different set of names for me.
When I first met my father he took me around and proudly introduced me to all his friends and, seemingly, anyone on the street who would stop long enough to be introduced! His mannerisms and language all added up to “This is my beloved son and I am fully pleased with him!” I still carry the scars of my stepfather’s negative assessments piled on through the years, but my father’s unconditional love and proud declarations to the world brought unbelievable healing to my wounded soul. Hurt can be healed and none of us is perfect. Past mistakes cannot be used to excuse continued bad fathering.
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