heartbreaking news

I just received a phone call informing me that the mother of my stepson, Bobby, passed away this morning. Misty had a baby boy, Brennan, born ten days ago and a little girl, Melissa who is three. Bobby is 9. I'm very much in shock... and my heart is breaking for Bobby. Michael is on his way to be with Bobby now. I don't even know that he will approve of me posting this but I know that there are praying people who read my blog and I know that these babies need to be surrounded by prayer right now.

Misty and I had always gotten along well. She is... was... a sweet girl who genuinely loved her kids. After Michael and I split up she was a great source of encouragement to me. I joked with Michael that she and I were in a sorority together - his exes. When I worried about not having a cellphone she offered to buy one for me. When I worried about not having clothes that fit for me and Austin she offered to send us clothes.

Last summer she and I talked about what would happen to Bobby if anything ever happened to her. She asked if I would be willing to raise Bobby (along with Michael, of course) and without hesitation I agreed. It's too early now to know exactly what will happen... all three kids have different dads so it's almost inconceivable that they will be able to stay together... Bobby loves his dad... and Michael loves Bobby with his entire heart. I know that Michael, if given the opportunity, will take excellent care of Bobby and be glad to do it. We just never thought this would happen.

Misty was 35.