family reunited

my ex-husband's funeral is now over and, while we wished it had been on a better occasion, it was wonderful to catch up with all the 'tomlinson' side of the family. they are all such beautiful, caring and loving people. the good thing that did come out of it all is that my kids got to see their two older brothers to my ex-husband's first marriage and we have all made a commitment to stay in touch.

here is a pic of my four kids with their two older brothers from their dad's first marriage -

brad is in front, greg the second eldest son is behind, then gary the eldest son, michelle, beau and reece

and a pic of me (far left) with all toro's children with gary's and greg's spouses and children also -

this is just a small part of the 'tomlinson' clan.

i had hoped my ex would reach out to his kids in his final months but, sadly, he passed leaving a lot of unfinished business and confused hearts behind him. i would like to share with you a poem that my son, reece, wrote for his dad and it pretty much sums up how his children felt. reece's poem was read out during the service and it brought tears to many eyes. i pray that all of his kids, including his two oldest sons, can all find peace and closure because it certainly hasn't been easy for them with so many mixed emotions.

Confusion hits me, as the mind seems to play
You left us standing, by ourselves far away
You were the father, our own right to claim
The feeling so empty, for my blood, my own name

A young heart mistaken, could never have known
The love and protection, those feelings below
A shield of pride, which held you so far
Broken down slowly, and leaving these scars

It’s hard to imagine, that you’ve left in this way
A man of such strength, now broken away
You are my father, which I can never let go
Holding me in your arms, and watching me grow

Time that we’ve lost, and the time that we shared
As the past races by, I now know that you cared
The moments I miss, and the moments I despise
The good times we’ve had,
only become more clear in my eyes

So now that you’ve parted,
And left us for the hereafter
I’ll always love you in my own way,
and you’ll always be my father

Your son, Reece