Mom versus Dad....

Okay, I screwed up. Big time. This will include a huge back story of which the details may be a little bit out of order. I was born to a Mom and a Dad. They had me when they were both 20. (Had gotten married at 18). I saw my Dad until I was 5. At which time, I was adopted by my stepfather who raised me until he and my Mom were divorced when I was a sophomore in high school. At this point, my REAL DAD came back into our lives and my parents tried to reconcile. Didn't work. Back to California my Dad went. My Mom then met my stepdad that she was married to until a few years ago and is now living with again, but not married to. I think. Anyway....a few years back my Dad contacted me again. We had been in and out of touch for years. Actually for a lot of different reasons, my anger, his absence just because, etc. So, we finally reconnected after the birth of my son and things have been going well since. Well, except that I was lying to my Mom the entire time about the relationship. I was "protecting" her. I didn't want her to think I loved her any less because I loved my father. Crazy, I know. She didn't know I went to California for 14 days to see my Dad. My children were told to sssshhhhhh...keep quiet. (I know!! I'm an awful mother). My kids LOVE my Dad. He is the best "Grandpal." I didn't want her to be hurt.

Well, this Saturday I sent a picture of Maddy to my Mom and my Dad in the SAME TEXT!! Somehow my Dad replied to all with the comment of...Kitty Kat (Maddy's nickname) looks like you did at that age and a perfect mix of you and your Mom. A sweet comment. But, my Mom somehow wasn't impressed. So, she forwarded me his message...as if to say....I know. She will now not return my texts, phone calls, Macy's phone calls, etc. I have decided that she will need time to deal with this. I cannot apologize for loving my Dad any longer. I love him. I didn't pick him...she did. I'm sorry that she is hurt by him. I'm sorry that he screwed up. But, he's my Dad. And that's obviously not changing.

So, that's the story...any advice???