June 1980

I was on vacation from working at the studio for a whole week. Faith and I had plans to take a few days--just the two of us down by the beach. I finished folding the summer attire; packing the items into the various suitcases. 

"Mommy, do I have a daddy?" Curiosity getting the better of my 13 year old.

My breath caught in my throat. I wasn't able to speak. "You okay, mom?" Faith sat beside me, concern registered across her face. 

" I'm fine, sweetheart." I kissed my daughter on her forehead. 

"Thank Goodness! Now, do I have a daddy?" She kept being persistent and wouldn't give up until I gave the answer.

Biting my bottom lip, I sat fidgeting  on my bed. The wheels in my head spinning, formulating the answer to give. "Yes, but we were both young and immature. He was busy doing other things and it had been best if we didn't stay together." 

Faith stared at me with those hazel pools; identical to her father's. She threw her arms around my neck, sobbing. "I wish my daddy would come back and be apart of our family again! He doesn't love me, mommy!"

"Shh, he does love you very much. Things are complicated right now. When you're a bit older, I'll explain more. Please don't cry. Mommy loves you with all her heart and soul!"I cradled faith in my arms, holding back the tears threatening to escape.

With eyes glistening, Faith looked up at me.A hint of a smile forming. " Thank you for always being there for me! You're a wonderful mom to me! I love you!" She tightly squeezed my neck.

"Are we ready for our trip to Disney?" I quickly changed the subject to a happy occasion.

Faith's eyes grew wide with excitement. Her mouth curled into a smile. "You know I am. Can't wait to get Mickey and Minnie's autographs for my scrapbook!"