Dear Stepmom,
I know this gig is tough. Blended families are becoming more and more popular now and that is a great thing. However, step-parenting is hard and being a stepchild is hard. I’m here to say thank you for all of that hard work.
Before you came along, my life with my dad was great. I looked forward to all of the fun things we would do during my time with him. Then, you started tagging along as his “friend.” I knew I didn’t have any “friends” that came along with us, but you seemed OK.
Next, you started showing up on holidays and at birthday parties holding my dad’s hand. I didn’t have any “friends” like that either.
Eventually, my dad sat me down to tell me how great you were and that he would be spending the rest of his life with you. I was devastated. I felt those same feelings I had when my parents told me that they would not be spending the rest of their lives together.
I was worried that I wasn’t enough for my dad. I didn’t want to share him with anyone else. Those scary feelings led to a lot of rough days, weeks, and months in the beginning of your marriage. Back then, I didn’t understand the tight rope that you were walking. I didn’t understand that you didn’t know how to raise children that were already halfway grown. I was just knew that you were the new lady in my house making everything weird.
Then, the teenage years came quickly. You stepped right in where I needed you. We fell into our roles in the home. There were arguments, but that’s in every family. You did what you thought was best even when you knew it would cause an argument. You didn’t shy away because I technically wasn’t your kid. I appreciate that now.
As an adult, I know the sacrifices you made for me. Being a stepmom cannot be easy. Juggling kids, ex-wives, and husbands can be a lot to handle. You did it with grace and humility. I want to say thank you for all of those moments you were there when you didn’t have to be. Thank you for treating me as if I were your own child. Thank you for being you.
Love you,
Your Daughter