15 June 2025

Father’s Day arrived, and though my Pops is in heaven, his presence resides within me. He will always be a part of me, a guiding hand woven into the very fabric of my being. Twenty-one years have passed without this giant of a man by my side, yet his love and acceptance continue to shape my world. Even as his heart weakened, J Harmon Moss never ceased to shower us with the kind of love that transcends time.

Though my father-in-law, Ed Hale, was only in my life for a short while, his kindness was immediate, his brilliance undeniable. He never needed blood ties to embrace family—he stepped effortlessly into the role of grandfather to my oldest son, a gesture that still fills my heart with gratitude.

I’ve never truly thanked my ex, but despite our past conflicts, Bruce gave me the greatest gift of all: our son, Steve.

For over four decades, my husband, Rich, has been a father—not just to our son but to my oldest as well. There are no stepdad titles, no half-brother distinctions, only family. He has poured his heart into this journey, loving us unconditionally, weaving together the threads of our shared lives.

We may not follow the traditions of many other families, but we deeply acknowledge and appreciate one another. Today, Steve is in his home in Illinois, Alex in Indiana—each carving their own path. And on this beautiful summer day, I will spend time with my husband, reflecting on the incredible fathers I have known.

A special shoutout to my big brothers, Gary and Joel Moss—men whose love for their children exemplifies family values worth celebrating.