Being a Step Mom Changed My Life

I follow a blog and they have a neat link up today for step moms and I just felt moved to connect with other step moms because the task can be extremely difficult but yet rewarding in so many ways I never thought were possible. Check it out at www.kellyskornerblog.com. She has an amazing website. I cannot wait to read other step moms stories. (because one thing I am sure of WE got some stories to tell :))

I met my husband in a sort of random way. My sister got married in 2000 and I was very close to her and her husband. I would often go with her to her husband’s family functions. I became a part of the family rather quickly. He had a brother that wasn’t around much but when he came we always seemed to have a good time. He was dating someone else at the time and they had two children together. Fast forward a few years and he ended up getting married and divorced rather quickly. Then…… in 2006 we were at Christmas Eve festivities when we decided to go to the movies. We ended up going to a New Year’s Eve party together and having a blast. We began dating and at the time Roy was 6 and Gavin was 10 months old. They knew me as Aunt Summer so it was an easy transition for the boys. I have grown to love my step sons. I have noticed that being a step mom allowed me to not take things for granted. When children are not biologically yours, you tend to cherish the hugs and attention that comes your way because it doesn’t always happen. Here are my special little boys when I first entered their lives.

The older boy, Roy, has had it rough. He had a hard time adjusting but we soon found that we both loved basketball. I poured my heart into playing with him in the backyard and running out to the card shop whenever we could. The reciprocation of love isn't always there but somewhere inside him I know he loves me but I just don’t always feel the “love” from him. I take this very personal and often can get my feelings hurt. Then there are times he completely surprises me and hugs me and sits on my lap (yes, even now that he is 11). He go through ups and downs but I love him and am so thankful that he is in my life.

Gavin was so small when I came around that he doesn’t know any different. He only knows his dad and I as a couple. Because of his age we definitely have a much closer bond. He calls me mom and doesn’t skip a beat in our home. Before he started kindergarten, I would often keep him home from daycare just so we could spend time together. He loves to play outside and is always asking me to play with him. He is getting older now and I am always scared he will slowly stop calling me mom but until then I will eat this stage up. He is such a sweet natured boy. He is always willing to help me with whatever I am doing. He is always ready to love and he always loves with no reservations. I think he feels safe with me.

These two boys mean absolutely everything to me. They helped me grow up and learn to be a mom. They have taught me unconditional love even when it is sometimes difficult. I am so honored to be their step mom. It makes me feel so special when I think of the boys when I first came around in 2007 and can see my hand in helping then become who they are today. I feel like I have helped create a home for them. I feel like I have shown them love and what a wonderful loving two parent home is all about. I know that they don’t always appreciate me and don’t realize all I do for them but I hope one day they will look back and see that I did everything I could for them and always will.

Finally, we added a new addition in June of 2011. It has been amazing to see the boys become big brothers. They make my heart melt when they cuddle up with him. Kiernan lights up when he sees his brothers. Adding a child of my own has definitely changed things but I always hope that the boys feel they are all loved equally and that their dad and I will do anything for them. I am committed to this little blended family and making us grow to an amazing little unit.