Published: June 16, 2008 09:12 am            

Honoring Dad on Father’s Day

Two Dads are better than one

“Since I was five, I’ve had two dads that were equal in my eyes,” said Jami Jo Cunningham of Salina.

Cunningham, 24, feels blessed to have two father

figures she loves and respects.

Cunningham was born to James and Marta Clifford when they were 17 and 16 years old. Her parents divorced when she was four. Within two years, her mother remarried Jody Lee.

“My stepdad took on this readymade family when he was 21,” said Cunningham.

Cunningham’s younger sister Kaci accepted their new stepdad right away, but Cunningham said it took her a while “to warm up to him.” She asked her dad’s permission to call Lee “Daddy.”

Now married 19 years, Jody and Marta Lee of Salina have two more daughters, Mika and Kenzi.

Cunningham said both dads support and love her.

“They’ve made life easier for me and my sisters,” said Cunningham.

The family gets along well. Cunningham’s parents remained friends, and her dad and stepdad are friends.

To all the girls, Clifford is “Daddy James” and Lee is “Daddy Jody.”

Cunningham said Clifford is outwardly affectionate and always trying to make someone laugh. He participated in fun activities with the girls and took them to movies and Big Splash in Tulsa.

“He comes to family functions with us,” Cunningham said.

Cunningham said when she and Kaci thought they were too old to go with their dad, Clifford would take her two youngest sisters ice skating.

Cunningham said Lee is more the disciplinarian. He tried to instill responsibility in the girls and teach them life

lessons.

“He thought making our bed every day made us better people,” smiled Cunningham.

She intends to give her dads each a copy of Gary Chapman’s “Five Languages of Love” for Father’s Day.

“With my dads I get the best of both worlds,” said Cunningham.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.