Wade Wagnon and his friend Chris have a lot in common. For starters, they both loved and married a woman named Annette Hall Wagnon.
Chris and Annette were married for sixteen years and had two sons, Zachary and Matthew, before calling it quits. Wade, a police officer from Marietta, Georgia, was also divorced, and when he and Annette met at work a few years later, they hit it off at once. Wade describes how Annette, a police dispatcher, started bringing in cookies for the officers at work… but only on the days when she knew Wade would be there.
Facebook
Wade and Annette have now been happily married for five years. At first, he was standoffish towards Annette’s ex, Chris, but over time, the two men bonded and even became close friends.
Wade wrote a letter describing his unique friendship with Chris, saying “So, the guy seated next to me is my good friend Chris… He is my wife’s ex-husband and the father of my two stepsons.”
Love What Matters
“Now, truth is, we didn’t start out this close, that took time and the encouragement of the boys. But as soon as we met we buried the hatchet without even having to talk about it. We instantly realized that there was no reason for discord or strife and we knew that our getting along would be better for everyone.”
Wade explained that even though the men are very different, they make an effort to find common ground. For one thing, they are both devoted to co-parenting Annette and Chris’s sons.
“Every day I see people, friends and strangers alike, not getting along. Hating one another. Being vindictive and spiteful.
You don’t have to do that. It’s a choice.
Choose better. You won’t regret it.”
Facebook
Their bond was cemented June 2016 when Chris, who has serious health problems, asked Annette and Wade to come along on a trip to Disney World to help with the kids. Chris had been hospitalized for weeks prior, and he knew he needed some extra help due to his weakened physical condition.
Not only did Wade and Annette go to Disney, they ended up having a fantastic family vacation! Now, they routinely take trips together, which Zachary and Matthew adore. Wade is quick to praise Chris for his parenting style, and there’s clearly a lot of shared respect happening between the two father-figures.
Facebook
Wade has even mentioned offering a kidney to Chris, if and when the time comes!
“Chris does an amazing job of staying active in his sons’ lives, spending as much time with them as he can. He loves those boys dearly and they love him. He is currently working on getting his heart health issues under control so that he can get on a kidney transplant list again. Frankly, I’ll get myself checked for compatibility if he does.”
Love What Matters
The fact is that both of these men could choose to be bitter or aloof, but they’re intent on being the best humans they can be for the sake of not just the children, but for themselves.
“Blended families aren’t always easy. It’s hard work at times and I know isn’t always a possibility for everyone, but we try to encourage others to see the benefits, not only to the kids but to themselves as well, of opening your heart and your mind to a relationship like ours. It has made things much easier for the kids and I have gained a friend in the process.â€
Love What Matters
Wade’s words of wisdom remind us that like forgiveness, being kind and generous to others is really a gift you give yourself. That love is sure to come back to you, and the lesson these kids are learning from their blended parents will endure for generations to come.
Thank you for sharing, Wade! If you agree with this co-parenting approach, please share Wade’s story with others.
Want to be happier in just 5 minutes a day? Sign up for Morning Smile and join over 455,000+ people who start each day with good news.