Counting My Blessings

My guy Andrew (I think I'm way to old to call him my boyfriend ;) ) came over for a bonfire tonight. Mario was so elated to have him come over because they are so much alike and Andrew understands him like no other. Sammy was so happy to see Andrew..they all love him so very much.
Sammy discovered fire by marshmallow. I was sitting by Andrew as we watched Sammy catch his marshmallow on fire and then try to blow the flames out. I must admit, I wanted to grab the stick from him for fear of him burning himself but I sat back and let Andrew guide him and let him be a typical six year old boy.
Andrew always has that knack where he allows Sammy to be a little boy and he's protective enough to do it safely.
It became late and everyone was getting tired. Andrew suddenly announced that he was going home and I was content to let him go so I could get the boys to bed.
We have an unique relationship where he breezes in and becomes the best "Step Dad" and then he goes home so I can tend to the boys.
Maybe its bizarre that we don't plan to join our households together any time soon, but it works for us and it brings us happiness.
All day, I have thought of a time when Sammy was in the hospital with septic shock, anemia and heart failure. Andrew showed up at the hospital without me asking. The woman from the transport department wheeled a wheelchair into Sammy's room to take us to a test. I've done this more times than I care to admit...I sit in the wheelchair and hold Sammy on my lap while some stranger pushed us to a testing area. This time was different in the fact where she called Andrew "Dad" and asked him if he wanted to push our wheelchair. As Andrew pushed us down the hall, I felt a great sense of protection and love. He even made us all laugh when he pushed us into the elevator with us facing the back of the elevator. The woman made a comment and Andrew quickly turned us around so we didn't look goofy with our backs faced against everyone who entered.
So maybe I don't have the traditional life, but I'm so grateful for the one I have and I'm very grateful to have Andrew as the "Step Dad from hell" as Mario jokingly but lovingly calls him.