I first met my step-son, Matthew when he was four years old. His parents had been separated a number of years and he was living with his mother. As fate decreed, his mother and I met, fell in love, eventually married and set up home as a family unit in a new area of which Matthew was unfamiliar. Matthew grew up with me and maintained regular contact with his father throughout his development. His father is a good man and there was never been any difficulty created between the developing relationship between Matthew and his father, or indeed both of Matthew's natural parents or his father figures. Matthew grew up with my children, William, Rebecca, Adam and James and it pleases me immensely to say that he has always been a good brother to them and a fine son to me. Whenever, birthdays, Christmases or Father's Day comes around yearly, Matthew has never once forgotten to send me a card and I can guarantee that his card is always the first to be received by me.
Matthew is the most considerate child any parent could hope to have. A tall 44-year-old single man of limited means and modest income, he is the gentle giant of the family and we all love him dearly. As a young child, his favourite film was 'Watership Down' along with its wonderful soundtrack of the song 'Bright Eyes' by Art Garfunkel. When I look back, it is easy to see how a young boy who was separated from one of his parents and who had moved home a couple of times before settling in the warren that his mother and I established as a new family home, might identify strongly with such a film and song. Matthew, I love you son and I just want you to know that your eyes will always shine brightly for me.
I dedicate this morning's song, 'Bright Eyes' to our Matthew, our family's lucky rabbit's foot.
Love and peace. Bill xxx