This really lifted me up today...

[Cheesy FL-Vol]

...as a parent, so wonderful to know I raised my kids right. Today is DH's birthday and DD1 sent him a terrific email. I have only edited to eliminate identifiers. With all the turmoil in the world, this is just what is needed. DH & I married when my girls were 14 & 15 and his son was 7.

As you know, a big part of my job right now is meeting other key members of the (redacted) community, leaders of different neighborhoods, business owners, and other (redacted) administrators. I recently met a community leader of an up and coming renovated district called (redacted), (redacted person). He is roughly you and mom's age and we were chatting about summer trips, fall plans, etc and- when I invited him to a meeting (redacted) had this week, he declined stating that it was his wedding anniversary and that when he married his wife, he married a family: her and her two kids. I knew exactly what he meant, as that felt to be the case when you and mom married. I began to tear up, thinking back to how you and your family welcomed (sister) and I into your home(s), hugs, and prayers. Although you may not think twice about such a gesture, especially considering you, too, were welcomed so fully with your mom and stepfather's remarriage; it, I think, meant a great deal for (sister) and I, as we were coming out of a painful household that was so torn while her an I were also coming of age.



I can't imagine it was easy living and caring for her and I during our teenage years: there were plenty of things that I know I could have done differently or better, ways in which I could have tried more. I also know how difficult it may have been trying to parent two teenage daughters that were very willful, loud, and wild; but you tried your best and you always cared for us from a place of love.



As you know, I don't live life in normal or typical ways: I won't get married, or buy a house, or have children; though, my life is filled with hard work, love, education, and community. I try to earnestly consider ways in which to listen and care for others' who are not like me, who have different personalities, temperaments, and beliefs, while still being true to myself. You and mom have taught me that, taught me unconditional love within authentically nurturing situations.



As you may or may not know, I have been through some pretty terrible relationships. And, while I have had to learn some things the hard way, you reminded me (whether or not you may know this) of a guiding point for how men, fathers, mentors, peers, and caretakers can be. And, when I meet people like (redacted person), I am reminded of genuine and caring men; men like yourself. I am blessed and honored to have you as a parent, (DH). Thank you for all that you have done for me, and continue to do for me, (sister), (stepbrother), my mom, your mother, and your family and friends.



Happy Birthday!

[zibazinski]

❤️

[Anne_in_VA]

That is awesome!  

[NancysSummerSip]

Hiya Cheesy! And what an awwwwwwww! that message is! Best gift a parent can get, I think!

[busymom]

Not only is DD a terrific kid, but it sounds like you married a wonderful man.  

[mmhmm]

That's beautiful, Cheesy. It's got to make your DH feel like a million bucks!

[janee]

Just beautiful!  
If you're a step-parent--you want to be like this man
If you're a step-child--you want to have this person in your life, but also take the time to acknowledge it if you do!
Thanks for the day-brightener.