MOTHER’S DAY FOR STEPMOMS

As we approach Mother’s Day (May 10th this year) we reflect on what a special person exists in all our lives. Regardless of time or geography, we celebrate the relationship we have with our Mom, even if she’s no longer with us physically. For those of us in stepfamilies, we get to celebrate the relationship with our stepmom, too. Although this relationship may be very different than the one with our biological Mother, it is oftentimes an important one as well. Let’s face it, some of us have developed great relationships with our stepparents over the years, although I’m not naïve enough to think that that’s always the case. The role a stepparent plays is often a difficult one. They almost never take the place of a biological parent, but fill a void left by a divorce or a death. Let me know how you celebrate Mother’s Day. What kind of relationship have you developed with your Stepmother over the years? Can you celebrate Mother’s Day for your Mom and your Stepmom? On May 10th let’s celebrate Mother’s Day for all Mothers!

Dr. Rick

Lasting Friendships

This weekend we had a barbeque with some of my long time friends. We brought together a group of friends that haven’t seen each other in 15-20years. Though I’ve seen some of them off and on we haven’t stayed connected the way we should have, Rick hadn’t even met some. When you do something like this memories fly back into your mind making you feel almost like a teenager again and taking you back to another life. Alina, the redhead was my best friend growing up, we met in first grade. We just reconnected after a 15 year separation and it’s like we never were apart. As always we have promised to stay in touch and I think this time we will, we are all mature enough to realize how quickly time flies and how important true friends, old and new, are to our lives.

Carmen

Speaking of Mother's Day - Meet the Mom that started it all!

Hi, I’m Carmen, the better half of Dr. Rick. I brought the kids that created the stepfamily you are reading about on this website…

Ten years ago when Rick & I decided to marry we asked “my kids” (then 14 & 17) for their approval, though they said they were ok with it, the real response I got when Rick wasn’t present was “do we really have a choice?” So we went from there…As hard as it may be for a stepdad (or stepmom I imagine) to walk into a “ready-made family”, it is equally hard for the mom & kids that make up that readymade family to get used to someone new intruding on their space and their lives.

The relationship between us had become the only thing they knew, they were really too young to remember what it was like living with their dad and mom as a family so, we were it! Divorce is hard on everyone, it took a lot of time, love, tears and care to get to where we were at the point Rick came into the picture.

Well, this this is a good start, I look forward to blogging more and finishing this story later in the week. Be sure and check back! Nice to meet you, Carmen - the "Mom"