This Dad Showed The World The Real Meaning of Family

Today, the concept of family has evolved into more complex settings and that’s okay. Families are formed through adoption. Some families could have just one parent or up to four parents if your mom or dad remarries -- and don’t forget the kids from previous relationships. Things go without a hitch sometimes -- we accept the new norm and live happily ever after, even if the family we keep is not traditional -- or, other times, it can be a challenge to co-exist.

As always, though, love prevails.

At Britanny Peck’s wedding, held at Lorain Country, Ohio, over the weekend, her biological father Todd Bachman, stopped the wedding march to invite Britanny’s stepfather Todd Cendrosky, so they could both walk her down the aisle on her special day.

“You worked as hard as I have. You’ll help us walk our daughter down the aisle,” Bachman said to Cendrosky. Bachman said that it was his way of saying thanks for helping raise Britanny. Cendrosky, on the other hand, got weak in the knees and called it “the most impactful moment “ in his life.

There wasn’t a dry eye at the wedding.

Not all blended families have the same state. What happened to Britanny’s wedding is proof that there is hope for mixed families to live in peace and harmony. It also took Britanny’s family years to finally put their issues to rest and live happily ever after. It’s not easy, but it can be done.

The key is to work on the family dynamics early. In an article on smartparenting.com.ph, Cara Galang-Fernandez, a developmental psychologist and a psychology professor at the Ateneo de Manila University, says, “It’s best if you and your ex-spouse can settle the following issues as early as possible, so you can both transition more smoothly into your new roles,” she says.

Set aside selfish concerns and begin to work on your family’s journey towards peaceful co-existence. Start with clear goals and open communication. Don't forget respect and patience. Parents should be on the same page as to how to raise their kids even if they live in different homes or have new partners.

Photos by Delia D Blackburn Photography

Source: 
September 29, 2015. “Father of the bride asks stepdad to walk down the aisle with them” (usatoday.com)