The moniker, “step-father” makes me think of Cinderella.
She had a wicked step-mother…
Who wouldn’t let her find a fella.
She had mean and simpering step-sisters…
They said she was a freak.
Poor Cinderella had to think her future would be bleak.
Then along came a fairy-god-mother…
A magic wand was her trademark.
Cinderella went to the ball…
And knocked the Prince out of the park.
For step-mom and step-sisters…
It didn’t end too well.
They couldn’t get the Prince from under Cinderella’s spell.
Some think happy ever after…
Is only in fairy tales.
Some think it can be found…
After everything else fails.
*****
When you married my mother, I didn’t know you very well.
I hoped you’d make her happy. Only time would tell.
You not only gave her love…
You gave her so much more.
You were the same good man each day…
As you were the day before.
Forty-six years ago you and Mom were wed.
When asked about my brother and me…
This is what you’ve always said,
“He’s my son and she’s my daughter.” (You don’t say that you’re too young.)
You were fourteen when Bill was born. I was born when you were twenty-one.
Our family is pretty big now. To our kids you’re Grandpa Gus.
When you married our Mom…
We got the best for all of us.
**********************
After all these years, step-father could be something I might say,
Because when friends or family need you…You’re only a step away.
And when you need your son or daughter, we hope you’ll always know…
We’ll step up just like you have… since all those years ago.
Gus’ 90th birthday is the 30th of May. We’ll be celebraring him all month
Those 70ish Girls 
This is the most beautiful piece I’ve read in many a day. Thanks for sharing, and here’s wishing him a wonderful birthday!
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What a wonderful tribute and bday wish.
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Thank you so much…he is a great guy!!
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I gave the VHS tapes to Ralph Thomas when we all had breakfast that morning in 2016 and he had them converted to DVD. They started out as Aunt Irma’s 8 tracks so not very good quality but I don’t remember them freezing. Billy and Valerie have copies too. I’ll ask them if they have watched them. I captured several pictures from the videos b4 sending them to you. I’ll email you some of the better ones of Betty’s wedding.
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I just looked at all your Sanderson family Xmases, birthdays and barbecues. Marti found the DVD’s in her house when she moved from CA to WY earlier this month. Do you know how I wound up with them? There are a few shots of Betty’s wedding as well. There was a card with them from you to me..Ah mysteries. There were alot of glitches and freezes in the videos. Do you have a copy and is that so with yours as well?
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I sent them to a friend of yours in California who was coming to see you. You were going to have Forgottenman make copies and send mine back to me. Glad you found them. Did you see me riding in the red wagon with my crown and red Kitty Reynolds formal?
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They kept freezing so I didn’t see that. I wonder if Mark has better copies? Do you remember them doing that? Marti never sent them to me until now.
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