Every once in a while a person comes into your life who has a profound effect -- on you and the people you love. My step-dad, Augie, is just such a person.
He and my mom have been married over 30 years now. They've had their share of ups and downs but it is so very clear how much he loves her that it really moves me. When I was a rebellious teen, he did his best to play the new "dad" without being over-bearing. He put up with me, and he put up with my sisters, tasks impossible to exaggerate. When I joined the Navy he (having retired after 25 years in) gave me some key advice at times I really needed it.
Today he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. If you would just think a good thought for this man that my family and I love so much, I would appreciate it.