So I met a pretty amazing man….
6 weeks later, he got a job in Hawaii. Would I be okay trying the “long distance thing”?
Sure!!! Why not? I was focused on my kids, James and Juliette. Plus, I could visit Hawaii…sounds like a good deal to me.
Besides, I wasn’t really looking for a relationship so there was no pressure.
6 weeks after that…My world crashed. James (7 years old at the time) was diagnosed with Stage 4 Glioblastoma Brain Cancer. Devastation is an understatement.
My sister, who had never spoken to this new “friend” of mine, called him to tell him the news of James. She let him know that it was okay to walk away…that we would all understand if it was too much.
It is hard enough to date a single Mom…let alone a single Mom with a child with terminal Cancer.
Not only did he not walk away….
6 Weeks after James was diagnosed, this man quit his job in Hawaii and moved back to Las Vegas so I wouldn’t have to go through this alone.
Some statistics say that over 84% of couples split up when a child is diagnosed with a terminal illness….and here we are, building a relationship through it.
Our relationship has been unconventional to say the least.
(James still won’t sleep alone and PTSD hides in every dark corner)
Sometimes I’ll see this man close his eyes and I can imagine him dreaming of 3 years ago…when his life was simple.
Just him…no kids…no mess…just his own peace and quiet.
3 years ago….we hadn’t even gone on our first date.
Not only did this amazing man take on a Single Mom with 2 kids…but he has taken on a Single Mom who has a child with cancer….2 cats, a lizard and a new dog! Brave Man!
And he’s done it with joy, compassion and more patience than anyone I’ve ever met.
He is my LIGHT in the DARK, my ROCK, my PARTNER, my BEST FRIEND, my LOVE…he is my FOREVER!
And he’s the kids “MR. MIKE”.
James said his Christmas Wish came true and Christmas Eve morning was his best Present ever when I said “YES”.
I love you Mike Kotek . 
(actually, I said “Thank You” lol…there are not enough days in this lifetime to thank him enough for all he’s done for us. I thank God everyday for paving the path, for opening my heart and for this incredible man. I am truly blessed )