TBT: Brad

The mid 90's. This is Brad and me, playing an arcade shooter game.

This was during our trip to Mammoth for a family reunion and campout.
Brad and Mom had just gotten married a few years earlier. When they got married I did not realize too much what all was going on. I was young, did not remember Brad from when we lived in Idaho before, and generally was just happy to see Mom happy.

The first thing I remember about Brad is his hair. My dad had very little, and what he did have was usually sticking out to the side like a clown. Brad had taken us all out for ice cream. I remember seeing some uncomfortable countenances in my siblings. Hey, I was just happy for ice cream.

As time went on they got married and we moved Brad from Pocatello to Rexburg. I remember him telling me that I am welcome to call him whatever I wanted to. I did try 'Dad' for a while. I distinctly remember coming up the step from the family room and stopping by his side as he sat at the kitchen table, tapping him on the shoulder, and calling him Dad. I started to show him what I was wanting to (I believe it was some lego creation) and having to stop halfway through. "I...I feel weird calling you dad," I said.

"That is just fine. Do you feel better calling me Brad?" He replied. I did, and it has been Brad ever since.

Some of my first bonding moments with him were very exciting for me. One day he took me out to Taco Time at the suggestion of my mother. It was so fun sitting there with him talking about whatever, eating crispy tacos. I remember we sat under the neon clock that read "It's always Taco Time!" and conversing about it. Another time I needed a parent volunteer to go with my 4th grade class to the Civil Defense Caves. Brad opted in, and I remember him sitting there on a bench at the Kennedy Elementary School as I talked to my friends. I felt bad for leaving him there alone, so I went and talked with him. Then at the caves we shared a lunch at the cave opening. I was very excited to finally have Snak Paks in my lunch.

Over the years Brad has become much more than a Step Father to me. He has become a friend, a mentor, a provider, an example, and most importantly a Father. I have desired to call him Dad many times. While that title is held in high regard to me due to its original bearer being taken from me, it now does apply to Brad. I have 2 Dads, and I love them both so much.