Lance (well, his GF) expecting #4

[Irulan]

Does any of that matter? We all have baggage, every single one of us. I mean, so what if you are a tour winner, or anything else? My personal belief, which to some people sounds like a fairy tale but it isn't, is that once you bring kids into the world, that an intact family should be the#1 priority. It doesn't matter how big your ego is, or how damaged you are, or what else you have to do in life.

I just don't buy the "oh black issues" stuff. It's excuses. You want to hear about my issues?

It reminds me of a party I was at once. A girl was stumbling, barfing drunk and people are like oh, poor thing - her parents are divorced, she had to give up a baby blah blah blah..... Me? My comment was, so what. ( you want to hear about my life?) Lots of people have really big problems, and manage to get help, or learn to make other choices. No one is forcing these people to listen to their demons. Ok, so so I am digressing a bit, but egos, demons, black baggage... it's all the same the big question to me : are you man enough to sack up and deal with it? Put some balance in your life? Fix the problems? Unload your baggage?

Oops, sorry for the rant on Xmas morning.

[Pax]

There is no such thing as comparative pain, each person experiences theirs at their own pace. For those who got past theirs then I offer you heartfelt congratulations. For those still suffering I offer my condolences.

[eclectic]

Does any of that matter? We all have baggage, every single one of us. I mean, so what if you are a tour winner, or anything else? My personal belief, which to some people sounds like a fairy tale but it isn't, is that once you bring kids into the world, that an intact family should be the#1 priority. It doesn't matter how big your ego is, or how damaged you are, or what else you have to do in life.

I just don't buy the "oh black issues" stuff. It's excuses. You want to hear about my issues?

Oops, sorry for the rant on Xmas morning.

I wasn't trying to make excuses for him - I was just making an observation based on everything I had read about him to back up my statement of who is leaving who. I believe it is the women leaving Lance - not the other way around.

Also I just found it interesting about the statement that all the great cyclists had demons in their background, again not making excuses, just an observation, with a question of "is this why they have that extra edge that makes them a winner?" (now please don't get off on a doping rant - that is not what this is refering to)

In conclusion: I agree, in a perfect world all children would have parents who love, cherish them and each other and act as excellent role models at all times, putting the needs of the children first . . . but alas this world is not perfect.

But by the grace of God, we have Christmas.

Merry Christmas all

[bmccasland]

I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm perfect. No, just get AWAY from that closet door. NO, do not go near the closet door!! Those are not bones rattling, you don't hear a thing. Trust me on this...

I think my closet is the size of the wardrobe in the Chronicles of Narnia.

[Crankin]

I don't know what to think. I admire Lance and from what I've read, he is a good dad to his other kids.
I've been around enough racers, both amateur and pro to know that it is not a life I would want. My exchange student, who has been a pro for the last 3 years is sick of it. He can't find a team because they are all folding and he is enjoying being "normal" for a change. Both he and my son were totally driven about riding, but eventually, it got to them. So, I say live and let live.

[kermit]

The saving grace is that this child will never want for anything. Being born into the Armstrong dynasty, he will be set. The best nanny, the best schools and if he/she is born with his genes might be a great athlete. We all have something that drives us, demons from the past or in my case fear of cellulite. I agree with Irulan, everyone has issues, its how you deal with them that counts. I think he will be a great dad, when time permits and when the tour is over, his kids will be a priority. His ego is so big he will never find a women that suits him but maybe he will settle down.

[Deborajen]

My first thought (o.k., it's a little evil) was that he's getting what he deserves and maybe God is punishing him. I mean, this guy's middle-aged, has three children that count on him and look up to him, and he's the leader of a cancer foundation and supposed to be setting a "he's one of us" example. Now he's knocked up girlfriend # ??? since divorcing Kristin - ? If a non-cancer-survivor had just done something like this, we'd be calling him a jerk (it wouldn't be a "miracle").

On the other hand, I feel really sorry for the baby. Adults can do what they want, but don't mess with the kids. They have to count on us, and this baby probably has to look forward to growing up with a single mom/visiting dad or otherwise being tossed around between parents. The baby might "need a dad" more than Lance claims he didn't.

Do you think Lance's mom is chewing him out right about now? That's another part of his history - he grew up with a single mom. She might have a lot to say to him.

Deb

[Irulan]

My first thought (o.k., it's a little evil) was that he's getting what he deserves and maybe God is punishing him. I mean, this guy's middle-aged, has three children that count on him and look up to him, and he's the leader of a cancer foundation and supposed to be setting a "he's one of us" example. Now he's knocked up girlfriend # ??? since divorcing Kristin - ? If a non-cancer-survivor had just done something like this, we'd be calling him a jerk (it wouldn't be a "miracle").

On the other hand, I feel really sorry for the baby. Adults can do what they want, but don't mess with the kids. They have to count on us, and this baby probably has to look forward to growing up with a single mom/visiting dad or otherwise being tossed around between parents. The baby might "need a dad" more than Lance claims he didn't.

Do you think Lance's mom is chewing him out right about now? That's another part of his history - he grew up with a single mom. She might have a lot to say to him.

Deb

Thanks Deb, that's what I was trying to say but you are more eloquent than I. Who knows, maybe his mom supports it. In the end it's none of our business, just more fodder for the celebrity mill....

[RoadRaven]

On the other hand, I feel really sorry for the baby. Adults can do what they want, but don't mess with the kids. They have to count on us...

Well said Debora. We must be the advocates for children and infants have the least "power" of us all.

[Mr. Bloom]

I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm perfect.

Beth, I believe you, but I think this is a topic for another thread

Frankly, I'd rather have my heroes and role models modeling postive things, such as intact families. And if you are in the public eye, people will see and comment on what you choose.

I agree and disagree...I agree in the sense that I was disappointed when he started hanging out with that Olsen twin! When middle aged men date 21 yr old women - in many cases - it's evidence of extreme male insecurity and is not a positive role model (...and this has been discussed before and I agree that this is a generalization and not an absolute as some of you have proven in your own relationships)

But, on the other hand, I'm not sure what is normal anymore. Am I allowed to judge that exclusively...as conservative as I am, I think not.

I'm a literal b@stard - born to an unwed teenager and adopted at 4 days of age. A century ago, I would have been doomed...but today, I'm successful by most standards...and I'm considered normal (notwithstanding the fact that I hang out here).

Children in non-traditional situations are just as likely to thrive when it's the only life they know...they don't need to adjust - they simply live the life they know...as long as no one undermines their self perception by telling them they're in a bad situation. I always knew I was adopted...but I was always told that this made me special - So, I never associated it with being a b@stard child. Contrary to this, I have adopted friends that didn't know and the revelation for them was traumatizing.

JMHO

I'm truly fascinated by the open discussion on this issue and the genuine and divergent opinions being expressed.

[smurfalicious]

I think this sums it up pretty well. Good news for the girlfriend though. He doesn't leave you until you see him through a life threatening illness so she's in the clear for a while.

Tis a bummer because the girlfriend sounds way kick butt. Too good for him from the way it sounds. He reminds me of my older brother who even though I love him to pieces, he's a jerk. He has to date girls that are dumb as posts because the smart ones get sick of his ego.

I can't believe his comment that he'd play second fiddle to Contador, "if necessary." P'shaw! Contador is hot and you're not.

So I think it's awesometastic for other survivors of crotchel area cancer that they can still reproduce down the line. On the other hand the only thing that's miraculous is that two grown adults couldn't master the fine art of birth control juuuust in case.

[Mr. Bloom]

Smurf...are you considering your source when you cite THAT website as the summation of "all things Lance?"

Noting of course that the link doesn't work because of the prominent presence of the "D" word in the site name that TE's filter blocks...