“Grandpa Eric!” the kids cheer as Christopher's life-long friend appears in the doorway of the family manor near Manchester, England. Sadly our annual summer visit is the only time we see this sweetheart of a man that Christopher refers to as one of his fathers.

When Eric crouches down to greet the kids, his tall, trim frame is knocked onto its bum by the power of their embraces. It sends his hair bouncing and brings about laughter with a dazzle in his blue eyes. This is exactly why I wanted a family, and why I chose a life with Christopher.