Just when you think you know someone.....

[MissMillie]

My kid's dad was a very sick man. Well, let's be honest here, I thought he was an ass before he died. He died of alcoholism, and when I learned that I started calling him a sick man. Up until then, he was just an ass.

Anyway, at the time of his death, he hadn't seen his 16 year-old son in 14 years. He had requested at a Child Support hearing that I agree to a no-contact clause in the agreement (I refused, saying that I would never put a legal block between him and his son--that if he didn't see his child, it would be on his head and on his conscience).

Yep, he was that big of an ass.

Well, just when you think you know someone....

I just got a call from the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board. It turns out somewhere along the line, the ass set up a retirement account and named his children as beneficiaries--and my son is one of the beneficiaries.

It's not a huge amount of money, but let's just say I'm pretty sure I can get my kid into a decent used car so that he can get to work and back now--and to college next year when he goes.

Leave it to the ass to turn out to be not such an ass.

[Hugin]

1. Here's to those incomplete asses among us...

At least they try. Somewhat.

If only they'd learn before it's too late.

[Richardo]

2. Nice when they surprise you in a *good* way for a change.

:hug: to you and yours, MissMillie!

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

3. It's what rest in peace is all about

[redqueen]

4. Shame and guilt are HUGE parts of addiction.

We should learn about this shit in school, I tell ya.

[cornermouse]

5. He cheated himself and his son.

But mostly, he cheated himself out of a lot of fun and happiness.

[jswordy]

6. I'd have loved to hear his side of this one! Wild how our perceptions...

...rule us, isn't it? Also wild how they come back around to teach us something about ourselves, if we listen.

I have had many such experiences, on small and large things. I'm always thankful for what they teach me about myself. I try to stay open to the lessons they bring for me.

[jobycom]

7. So maybe the part of him you thought was there when you first liked him

really was there, just not strong enough? Good that he left his son with a memory he can use to feel less bitter and betrayed.

Hang in there, MM. It can't be easy to have your emotions whipped around like that.

[MissMillie]

8. yeah, he was there, but he let the booze live his life for him

I'm just glad that Tim can feel like his dad DID think about him, even if it was only long enough to set up this account.