Divorce Didn't Keep Gabby Douglas & Her Father Estranged

Having to hear of a parents relationship fall apart while living long distance from must have been extremely difficult. Gabby Douglas, while training for the Olympics the last two years in Iowa, has spent most of her time away from her parents. With her mom living and working in her home state, Gabby also had a long distance relationship with her father who has been stationed in Afghanistan for some time as an Air National Guard Staff Sargent. It is hard to imagine Gabby pushing for her goals in gymnastics while knowing that her father was risking his life every day at war, with the knowledge looming over her head that any day her dad could lose his life on the field. During the time of her U.S. Olympic trials at the end of this June, her dad, Timothy Douglas, made a surprise visit to the U.S. just to see her. This was the first time that Gabby had seen her dad in 2 years, and it was a cherished moment to be had.

Timothy Douglas wishes that he could have made it to London to watch his daughter compete to become the best gymnast in the world, and it is likely that seeing her dad was just the extra inspiration that Gabby needed. Daddy Douglas shares that he held up a sing in the crowd and yelled his daughter’s name. To her surprise she looked up to see her father there supporting her as she fought her way to make the U.S. team. He shares that the moment he got to see her was filled with so many emotions and that he missed her so much. Even though he had to leave soon after, he kept in close contact with her throughout the Olympic games over Skype giving her words of wisdom and encouragement to keep pushing on and to never give up. Even though Gabby Douglas parents are currently in the middle of the divorce process, it was of great importance that her father was able to support her and share even a glimpse of her Olympic experience with her.

Though he won’t be at home with her when she returns to the states, Gabby can rest assured that even though her parents’ marriage didn’t succeed it doesn’t mean that her father loves her less. Gabby was shown so much love and support by her father taking the time to travel across the world to see her and encourage her to work hard and chase after her dreams. Even though the divorce may be hard for the family, their story can be an encouragement to other families, and especially other children that while parents may choose to separate, it doesn’t mean that the children are loved less. Remember parents to share that with your children as you and your spouse go through the process of a divorce. If you are in need of a divorce attorney, contact Ellerin Hutchinson today to discuss your legal questions!