My Big, Wonderful Family

Several of you have been curious about my moms—Mom Heather and Mom Pat—and you’ve asked how my family tree actually lays out. So I thought I’d explain it a little. (Warning: There are a lot of photos in this blog, and it didn't work to create a collage, so you'll have to do some scrolling. . . . )
My dad married Mom Heather in 1960.
They had four children; I was the oldest. After me came Kurt, Leslie, and Vonna. (Kurt and I are the kids in this picture.)
When I was five years old, Mom Heather and Dad got divorced. Then Dad married Mom Pat.
They had three boys: Mark, Chad, and Cody. (They only had Mark when we took this picture.)
Mom Heather was going through a difficult time, and so we lived with Dad and Mom Pat, who pretty much raised us. Mom Pat has always been a mother to me, and I’ve learned much from her. When I got a little older, I reconnected with Mom Heather (who had married Paul, who is shown in this photo), and we formed a real bond. I discovered that I inherited much from her.
Out of respect and love, I call both of these wonderful women “Mom” because they deserve the title and all it represents in so many ways.
Dad has since married two more women—not at the same time, of course! He married Jo in 1985; they later divorced.
Then he married Justine, his current wife.
I admire and respect these women as well, but I was grown and married with children when they entered our lives, and so it seems very natural to just address them by their first names.
As an aside, Megan, our oldest daughter, is not my biological daughter. Although I love her, she is Sterling’s daughter from his first marriage. Growing up, she mostly visited us on the weekends and holidays, and she has never called me “Mom.” I understand and respect that as well.
Now, I’m not an advocate of divorce. I think it creates very challenging situations for everyone involved. However, I am proud of the way our family has dealt with this situation and the acceptance and love we have all learned to show. We truly do all feel like we’re one big, happy (most of the time) family. When appropriate, we’ve even all gathered together for certain events, and that’s quite the experience!
I've also included photos of each of my siblings, starting with me, and our spouses, just in case you were interested.
Shelli and Sterling
Kurt and Joni
Leslie and Danny
Vonna and Sean
Mark and Monique
Chad and Eliz
Cody and Shelley
So, that’s my family tree in a nutshell. I’m so grateful for my family—all of them, every branch, twig, and leaf. I wouldn’t be who I am today or where I am today without them!
Reader Comments (57)
Thank you so much for for sharing the story of your family tree. Thank you for sharing your families pictures with us. I love large families, it can be messy but with lots and lots of love and hugs
Gwynne
Cazx
It looks like your are the rock of your family. Keep it up!
How many, if any of your siblings/in-laws work for SU?
Thank you so much for sharing this information with all of us. And the pictures are fantastic. I'm glad you didn't collage them. You are very lucky to have had both of these amazing moms in your life. And I know you're an amazing mom too! Take care, and God bless!!!
Hugs!
Kelly
My friend forwarded this to me and thought I'd be interested in the family tree. JoAnne Baker tried to explain it to me in a letter, but I wasn't sure which mom was your biological. Pat is the one I'm cousins with. If you mention me to Pat as Aunt Ivy's granddaughter Michelle Peace Wilkinson or talk to your grandma JoAnne, they'll be able to tell you how we are related.
Divorce is SO hard, but itsn't it amazing how you were able to use that very difficult situation in your life as a kid to help in any struggles or challenges that may come into YOUR marriage and be successful and faithful.
I sure noticed you look a lot like your Dad and have his wonderful smile.
Thanks for sharing all the wonderful photos!
Jennifer R. Calgary Ab
It is not easy being a single mom.
I always enjoy looking at your pictures. you have a beautiful family. It is great to know that family is so important because now a days everyone is so busy. Family is so important.
Kassey
So enjoyed seeing your siblings and putting it all together! My DH was married before, but only for a short time. I am glad he was divorecd as I would not have met and married him and had our 13yr old son, Connor. Everything happens for a reason, and we all grow more with the trials that are presented to us.
Thanks agian for sharing your family tree with us!
In Christ,
Kelly Wells
What a BEAUTIFUL family!!! You are all so blessed to have each other. I too come from a divorced family and am NOT an advocate of it. Family is very important to me and I feel the love that you have for yours. Thank You for sharing. Brandy Cox