Thanks for sharing this, Beth - a perspective I’m certain many stepmothers share. I’m a stepmother who was also blessed with a wonderful stepmother. The difference being my dad remarried when he was 70 (widowed at 61) and even though there were 11 kids between them, there were many more grandchildren and those lucky kids enjoyed wonderful grandparenting from my dad and stepmom. It was a joy to see and my stepmom became a dear and cherished friend of mine. My husband and I have 6 grown children between us, and while not perfect - much less tension since we never had to live in one house and parent them, and while widowhood is a different experience - deceased parents can become saints in memoriam - its own challenge. Amazingly different family cultures and dynamics. I told my stepmom that if my stepchildren ever think half as much of me as I do of her, I’ll consider my job well done. I hope your stepchildren grow in their love and appreciation of you as life goes on.
Thanks for sharing, Susan. I told my stepson yesterday that step-parenting was the hardest thing I have ever done. Yes, hopefully he will appreciate it someday. Only time will tell. Thanks for reading!
I see you, Beth. Love always wins and it’s amazing what the combination of time and proximity will do for perspective.
Thank you from a stepmother!
Beth, thank you for sharing! You are very brave! Love, Jane
Thanks for sharing this, Beth - a perspective I’m certain many stepmothers share. I’m a stepmother who was also blessed with a wonderful stepmother. The difference being my dad remarried when he was 70 (widowed at 61) and even though there were 11 kids between them, there were many more grandchildren and those lucky kids enjoyed wonderful grandparenting from my dad and stepmom. It was a joy to see and my stepmom became a dear and cherished friend of mine. My husband and I have 6 grown children between us, and while not perfect - much less tension since we never had to live in one house and parent them, and while widowhood is a different experience - deceased parents can become saints in memoriam - its own challenge. Amazingly different family cultures and dynamics. I told my stepmom that if my stepchildren ever think half as much of me as I do of her, I’ll consider my job well done. I hope your stepchildren grow in their love and appreciation of you as life goes on.
Thanks for sharing, Susan. I told my stepson yesterday that step-parenting was the hardest thing I have ever done. Yes, hopefully he will appreciate it someday. Only time will tell. Thanks for reading!
You're truly a saint, Beth.
Not even close! But thanks Glenn.