"Go get your bags both of you. I'm waiting for you in the hallway", I said as the two kids ran to their room to get their school bags.
My mom placed her hand on my back and said , " Have I reminded you of how I'm so proud of you Issy? Had your dad been alive today, he would have been even more proud to see that his daughter has grown up to be this strong , beautiful woman."
I gave her a sad smile and replied , "Mom, I wish I could be half as strong as you think I am. Every time they bring up the topic about who their father is or why he doesn't visit them, all I can do is hold back my own pain and tears. How can I tell them that the father that I told them about, the Joshua who I got married to, doesn't even know of their existence!"
I sniffed and wiped my tears as my mom came and gave me a hug . Somehow, even though no words were exchanged , we drew our strength from each other , and her warmth eased my heavy heart.
