As The Old 1970's Sitcom Conveyed -- "Eight is Enough"

Since getting remarried last year, its been a bit surprising how many people have asked me if Kelley and I intend on having any children together.

Those of you who know our story are well aware that I am the father of four children from a previous marriage, and Kelley also has four children from a former marriage. Yep... that makes eight!

The photo accompanying today's writing was taken 8 months ago. It's of my four children -- who are all adults. From left to right are: Ashlin (age 24); Kyler (age 21); Jenna (age 26); and, Brian (age 19). We don't see each other near enough since between us we reside in three different states. However, they are always in my heart each day and I am constantly praying for them. Kelley has two adult children (ages 21 and 22) who have their own residences near us, and she also has two younger daughters, ages 11 and 14, who reside with us. So, six of our eight children are adults.

I'm 54 years of age and if there's one thing I know it's that posting the age of your wife in a blog is impolite. Therefore, I'll just say that Kelley is several years younger than I am. At this point in our lives, we don't intend on having more children. Of course, that's our plan... and God may have something else in mind (although we're in good communication with Him and we believe we're all on the same page!).

When I was a teenager, there was a popular television comedy-drama series that ran on ABC from 1977 until 1981 titled "Eight is Enough." The show centered on a Sacramento, California family with eight children. For those parents, eight was definitely enough. When it comes to Kelley's and my lives, we feel incredibly blessed by our children -- each of us having four children of our own as well as four step-children. I'll admit, I don't even think of the "step" portion of my "Step-Dad" title. I love Kelley's children as if they were my own, and I know that she feels the same about my children.

All of our children are excelling in their lives, and that makes Kelley and I very happy. It's wonderful to hear about their interests and pursuits, and we'll always be cheering them on. Our adult children are making decisions regarding jobs, advanced education, relocation, and more. They are blazing their paths in this world and we truly enjoy watching them handle whatever comes their way. It's important to Kelley and I that our children always know that they can call us if they ever need an ear to listen or a shoulder to lean on. We can't always solve every issue, and we'll never tell them what to do. However, as parents we want to see them succeed and we want them to be happy in life. If we can provide a bit of insight and/or wisdom based on our own life experiences, then we're glad to do that.

Being a parent is a constant joy. For us, perhaps it's not that eight is enough, but that eight is perfect!

From Him, Through Him, For Him (Romans 11:36),

Paul J. Staso

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Visit my YouTube channel -- https://www.youtube.com/user/pacetrek

Click on any of the links below to see some of my adventure photos:

• United States in 2006 (3,260 miles solo in 108 days at age 41)
• Montana in 2008 (620 miles solo in 20 days at age 43)
• Alaska in 2009 (500 miles solo in 18 days at age 44)
• Germany in 2010 (500 miles solo in 21 days at age 45)
• The Mojave Desert in 2011 (506 miles solo in 17 days at age 46)
• Various Photos From Mileposts Gone By
• Students Worldwide Who Ran With Me Virtually
• Roadside Sights From My Running Adventures
• Some Cycling Moments From The Past

Today's Milepost Was Over 24 Years In The Making

Today, I reached a milepost in life that all parents eventually arrive at. Today, my youngest child, Brian, turned 18 years of age. Now, I am the father of four adult children (between the ages of 18 and 24). It's a milepost on life's road that I've known for nearly 2½ decades that I would eventually reach. Now that I'm here, it's a moment of mixed emotions.

On one hand, I'm so proud of the young adults that all four of my children have become. On the other hand, I'm a bit saddened to see their childhood years officially come to an end. Along the way, there were countless mileposts reached... losing a first tooth; learning how to ride a bike; learning to drive; and so many other moments. I have over 24 years etched into my heart and memory of times with my children -- sledding, camping, road trips, playing in the yard, and more. Now, I look forward to watching all of them blaze their path in life.

My two eldest daughters have graduated from universities and are in professional positions. My almost 20-year-old son is working full time and creating wonderful music that so many people enjoy. Now, Brian is 18 and will be graduating from high school in less than 5 months. The time goes so quickly, and I cherish the years I had with my children as they were growing up. The walls of my home have many photos of past moments with my kids. Today, I've looked at those pictures with deeper appreciation for the blessing of being a parent.

Yes, life is filled with mileposts. Some we want to get to right away, while others we hope will take a long time to reach. The milepost I reached today came too quickly, but it's one that I know all parents eventually reach. Tonight, I'll be laying my head down to sleep knowing that I'll wake up tomorrow still being a parent, but that my children are fully raised. I'll always be a parent and hope that all of my children will want to seek my advice and/or input as they are reaching for their own mileposts on life's road.

There are more mileposts ahead... such as weddings and grandchildren, although neither of those mileposts are within sight at this time. There's certainly no need to rush things! Ha!

From Him, Through Him, For Him (Romans 11:36),

Paul J. Staso

_______________________________________

Visit my YouTube channel -- https://www.youtube.com/user/pacetrek

Click on any of the links below to see some of my adventure photos:

• United States in 2006 (3,260 miles solo in 108 days at age 41)
• Montana in 2008 (620 miles solo in 20 days at age 43)
• Alaska in 2009 (500 miles solo in 18 days at age 44)
• Germany in 2010 (500 miles solo in 21 days at age 45)
• The Mojave Desert in 2011 (506 miles solo in 17 days at age 46)
• Various Photos From Mileposts Gone By
• Students Worldwide Who Ran With Me Virtually
• Roadside Sights From My Running Adventures
• Some Cycling Moments From The Past