When most people think of 'Step-parents' tales of wicked women, and absent, hateful men. Women like Lady Tremaine from "Cinderella" and Queen Narissa from "Enchanted." I can't recall any specific characters, but the stigma is that stepdads are men who really couldn't care less about the children and aren't shy about letting them know. Not so long ago, if you would've asked me what I thought about stepparents I would've told you that the stigma was correct.

Like so many other things, my feelings towards Stepparents (mainly my own) have changed.

Dear Stepparent,

I was wrong about you. Admittedly, we weren't always the best of buddies. There was once a time I would have rather spent my time stranded in the desert with no water than be forced to be in the same room with you. Neither of us made an effort to have any sort of relationship for many years, and we both missed out on a lot.

We had our first real conversation like a year ago & I can no longer imagine my life without my whole family in it. We have way more in common than I thought possible. You are one of the few people who can hold a conversation with me about the craziness that runs through my head all day (probably because you have craziness running through your head too).

I know now that I am not just some person you pass occasionally in the kitchen. I know now that I have your support, which means more than any material thing you could ever give me. I know now that you aren't a monster; you are simply human. You have a brave heart, and an inspiring mind (..and maybe a slight temper from time to time). I can't tell you how grateful I am to know that when things are going great, or things are going terribly wrong, I have you and Mom to come too.

Family is more than blood; it's the reciprocated loyalty, respect, and love you have in your heart for someone. I know I don't often say it, but I love you and you are my family. If there is one thing I've learned about stepparents over the years is that they are not meant to be replacements, they're just added extras.