It’s Summer half term at the moment and I’m currently lodging at Jenny’s – the linen lady who works at the boarding house I stay at during term time. I’ve got much to be thankful for (I’m using her internet now, if you can’t tell. xD) Now I’ve known Jenny for nearly 2 years now; this isn’t the first time I’ve been at hers, and I know quite a few of the family as well.

Anyway. Long story short, her grand-niece had just given birth exactly a month ago and now has a beautiful baby girl. Sounds nice at first glance, but then you delve a bit more and then you find out that she got pregnant at 18/19, and the man who fathered the child hasn’t done anything more for the baby other than to contribute his DNA. Pfft. Whilst the grand-niece still lives with him, he’s not done a single feed or offered to help her with anything. All he does is mooch about the house and watch telly – or if he does go out, go drinking with a bunch of guys.

Heck, even while she was in labour, he kept talking about how he couldn’t really stay for the whole birth. Now what kind of a father would do that? (Apart from a terrible one, that is.)

Leave the slob, perhaps? Not as simple. When you’ve grown up without having your father, you’d want your kid to not go through the same thing – which is why she’s refusing to totally split up with the guy.

But she’s wiped, and the guy’s apathy is taking its toll. So she’s also here at Jenny’s with us along with the baby to have a break. She’s not entirely in the pink of health, but at least the baby’s doing fine and she’s coping well with feeding, bathing and clothing her. Sometimes, though, I wonder if the baby really picks up on her mother’s stress and all; because she can “scream” a fair bit for a fair amount of time!

Then again, she’s only 4 weeks old. Most times, though, the baby just looks so adorable. Like she hasn’t got a care in the world apart from her business (to gurgle, poop, cry, sleep and all. xD)

You know, even though it’s not really any of my business, I do feel a bit mixed for the baby. I feel sorry for her that she may not be as lucky to have a firm father figure in her life. No one knows what the grandniece is going to do about that good-for-nothing. But at the same time, I also feel happy for the baby; knowing that her mum, although not the best cookie there is (that’s another story), is growing up and taking charge of her own life as well as the baby’s. If anything, she’ll be a great mother. She’s young, indeed, and probably scared sh*tless, but she’s doing well. I just sympathize that she hasn’t got support from the father – although Jenny and her husband are doing all they can for her (whilst having me as a lodger – what a handful! )

Thankfully, the grandniece has been booked in for counselling soon – so maybe she can decide if she wants to take charge and kick the loser dad out, try to work things out, or…well. I dunno.

But I do know I’m grateful – I’m luckier by far.

I love you, Daddy.