Back to Michigan (Again)
My 1st post of the new year. I’ve had so much to say and yet I’ve been keeping much of it in.
I’m going back to Michigan tomorrow night. I’m not sure how long I’ll be back there…maybe a few weeks. I’m going back to see my father who has been pretty sick. He’s having a triple bypass while I’m back in Michigan. I know there’s not much I can do by being back there but I know I need to go. The circumstances will be complicated.
I’m pretty sure I’ve blogged about some of this stuff before but a quick and non-detailed explanation is that my father was already married(with 5 kids) when he was screwing around with my mother and I was the end result. Well, I shouldn’t say “end result” because that’s where the mess began. My father never told his wife or 5 kids about me so I’m pretty sure they have no clue they have a sibling floating around out here. It’s been my father’s wishes that I not say anything to his family… and this has been challenging.
For most of my life, I’d always hoped he’d let his kids know I exist but as years went on, I realized that the only way I’d meet any of these people would be if my father were to pass away and, only then, I would introduced myself. –[My dad knows I'm going to meet his kids after he's gone...I told him this a few times before.] For years I’ve had a chess game of conversation in my head of how reactions might be and what might or might not be said [It makes me a little crazy sometimes]. Anyway…there’s much more to the story but that’s enough to be caught up to speed.
So, my dad’s health has been pretty bad this last year…and he’s getting up there in age. For as non-fatherly as he’s been to me most of my life, he’s always been in contact around Christmas. When I didn’t hear from him this year, my mother hunted him down and found him in the hospital. He’d had a pretty bad heart attack. He’s been in the hospital now for the last 20-something days trying to recover and regain enough strength for the bypass surgery in the next week or so. I’ve been having brief conversations with him on the phone and he’s sounds like a wreck [and hard to understand]. He’ll be extremely emotional and (to me), it’s seems like he’s trying to prepare for his own death. It’s very sad.
Just over a week ago…my father told me while in a pretty fragile state…that he told his wife about my mother. I guess his wife wanted to know who the lady was who was hunting him down in the hospital. When he said that he TOLD HER, I almost swallowed my own tongue. One would think the next step would be for him to now tell them about me? This hasn’t happened yet but there’s a chance it might while I’m back there this trip.
He told my mother that he needed to make some “preparations” for me to come in and see him but that he DID want me to come. I’m not really sure how to take that. I just know, I’d have some respect for him if he did say something now [at the very least, to his other kids]. I know it’ll never make up for lost years but it would make me very happy. I have a feeling I’m going to be let down again so I’m trying not to get my hopes up. If he DOES say something…I’m not sure what reactions would be.
Mainly, I DO hope my father will be okay and he probably will be. I know bypass is extremely common these days but there’s always risk. Most importantly, that last thing I want is to create unnecessary stress for him at this point in time. But, he IS my father and I feel I need to be there now. As I said, It’s complicated.
Oh…and YES, The TV Show “Brothers and Sisters” owes me a royalty check. They stole my life ![]()

God Bless you honey, I hope all goes well…my thoughts & prayers are with you…
BIG hugs,
Steph
thanks Steph.
i’m hopeful that everything will work out just fine
I’ll keep you and your Dad in my prayers. I know what your going through. The last time I visited my Dad he had a heart attack. I went to the hospital and was there to be his strength. Didn’t quite work out that way. When I went into the room and saw my Dad , the man I used to think was Superman frail and lying there with tubes in him I just broke down and cried.
He ended up consoling me instead of the other way around. He teased me about it , and all I could think was thank God he was still there to tease me.
My heart goes out to you man , and God Bless.
Your Fan
Craig
did your dad end up having a bypass? I’m not sure what this trip will bring. should be “interesting” i guess
It will be alright , lil brother. I’m hear for you. You deserve this. I’m excited for you. Like they say “It’s Never Too Late”. It’s just it’s a damn shame it took all these years. Plus under the circumstance too. But it needs to be told. They have to know that they have a brother!!!
And Yes!, someone does owe you a royality check. That show “Brother’s and Sister” is your life story.
yeah sista’…ypou gotta see that “brothers and sisters” show…you’ll trip out seeing it!
see you tomorrow!
Hugs! I’m keeping you and your dad in my thoughts and prayers. I wish you were coming back around for better circumstances, but I hope you find what you are looking for while you are there. Hugs!!
well..i sure wish it were warmer there …that’s for sure
i’ll try to write some while i’m there too.
This is the first time I have read your blog. I came in from a link.
Man, you and your entire family will be in my prayers.
I know that there is much to say and do, and too much for anyone family member to absorb at one time, but I pray that the God of all creation will guide your every step.
I applaud your attitude, and respect for your father’s wishes. You could have made life very difficult for everyone over the years, but you have chosen the high road. God bless you for that!
thank ya kindly!
i’d like to think i’ve taken the high road but it sure feels like the low one at times.
Thanks much for stopping by and for the nice comment!
Honey, you’ve got a world of unknown friends on your side (plus me). I can only pray that he won’t break your heart again. It’s time he introduced you to your other siblings. Love to you
the way it looks now, it’s not gonna happen