Dear Mom,
You came into my life when my family and I needed you, even if I didn’t think we needed you at the time. I know we have had our fair share of ups and downs, but I now know that everything you did then and everything you do now you do to benefit me. So I would like to take this time to officially and publicly say thank you.
Thank you for breaking Disney’s stereotype
Maybe Disney is to blame for making me a little wary at first. But you can add onto your long list of outstanding accomplishments that you never once were at the evil stepmother level.
Thank you for being there when my dad couldn’t
From picking out the right training bra to late-night girl talk, there are just some things a girl needs a mother for.
Thank you for welcoming me into your family
I have never felt like I was on the outs with you and your sons. What could’ve been a rocky transition of combining families was actually a smooth one, and I know you were a big part of making that happen.
Thank you for making my dad unbelievably happy
A simple sentence, but it means the world. No explanation needed. Thank you.
Thank you for being the type of stepmother that I have to explain
I don’t call you my stepmother and I don’t call your sons my stepbrothers to my friends or extended family. So when I introduce you as my mother, some friends pull me aside and ask why we look nothing alike. I explain you’re actually my stepmother, not my biological mom. Sure, this confusion and explanation wouldn’t have to happen if I had just introduced you as my stepmother.
But I don’t want to give the impression Disney has. You’ve never locked me in a tall tower for years or made me miss out on a dance to scrub the floors. You’ve never made me feel bad about who I am or for doing what I love. You’ve always encouraged me to be better and do more. You’ve been there for me when my boyfriends turned out to not be knights in shining armor, but rather just some boys in torn-up tin foil. You have been there for me when I achieved, when I messed up, and everything in between. I used to think that Disney princesses had it all. I never would’ve thought I’d have it better, but when I look at you and see all that you have done, I know that Cinderella has nothing on me.
