Remember how I was telling you my father was going to China to meet a woman he had been talking to online? Well, he went and had a fabulous time. And he came back married! Yep, you read that right. I have a new step mom and honestly, I couldn’t be more thrilled. As I go back and read what I wrote just a few weeks ago, I’ll admit that I am somewhat embarrassed and ashamed of myself for being so critical of the situation. While I still believe the whole thing is a bit far-fetched, I also believe its a good thing…. a very good thing. I’ve never in my life seen my father so happy. Ever. And after all he’s been through in the last few years, he deserves happiness.

He brought tons of pictures back from his trip. I’ve put some of the better ones up in my Flickr. Then, this morning she sent us the formal wedding pictures. Some of those are out there too. In addition to the pictures, Dad brought back a DVD that someone had made of the trip. It showed the moment they met at the airport and them getting married {which I’ll elaborate on in a sec} and time he spent with her family. The DVD was what got me, and my brother too. My brother was much more skeptical than I but after seeing them together and how happy the both of them are, he is able to accept and even appreciate the situation. My sister-in-law and I watched it over and over and just cried. To see my dad’s face light up when she is around is indescribable. My heart just floods with joy. You can see the video on my YouTube. Its in two parts.

Now about this wedding… they don’t say wedding vows in China. They go to a Marriage Registration Office where they fill out some paperwork, take their fingerprints and a picture and then they’re married. Then, they go back and have a big banquet with the family and take wedding pictures. Weird, I know.

Anywho, Dad had to come back without her until they can get all of the paperwork in place. If things go well, she could be here in just a few weeks. I can’t wait to meet her and get to know her. I am so excited! Ya know, we live in a small town and I know when word gets out this will be the talk of the town. And to that I say ‘screw what everybody else thinks!’ If they are happy, nothing else matters.