The definition of Step-family is; a family that is formed on the remarriage of a divorced or widowed person and that includes one or more children. I grew up an only child in a house with two loving parents. When I was fifteen years old my mom called me one morning and told me that she was going to take my dad to the hospital because he wasn't feeling good. I had some volunteer work to do that day for the Special Olympics. My parents always taught me that we always should give back to our community. In my last hour of volunteering I got a call from my mom that my dad was going to have to stay for testing and they didn't really know what was wrong. That night they told us that he had a stoke...he died less than a week later. That time in my life was so sad and it was hard to wake up every day and go to school and not think about my family unit being torn apart. I asked God, why he would tear apart a family that was so happy?
Quite a few months had passed and my mom said that she was going out to dinner with her friend. A few days later she introduced me to her friend Gary...my soon to be step-dad. It was hard to understand how they were so happy at first but I soon saw how happy he made my mom and that made me happy. A few weeks after that I met Gary's sons Billy and Johnny. They were very nice and friendly. I never thought of having siblings, it was always just my parents and I.
On August 30, 2014 my mom and Gary got married. It was the most beautiful wedding that I have ever been to. That day was not just about my mom and Gary becoming man and wife but it was about two broken families coming together to form a loving foundation.
To my step-dad Gary, thank you for not completely taking over the "dad-role" but for always being there to talk to, for introducing me as YOUR daughter (that still makes me cry everytime I think about it :)) I love you!
To my step-brother Johnny, thank you Johnny for allowing me to be apart of you and Tara's lives and the kids! I love you all so much and I'm so thankful to have you as my brother!
To my sister-in-law Tara, thank you for always being so nice to me and for asking me to babysit Jackson and Brooklynn!! One of my favorite memories was when Gary and I were in Montana that you let me help you in your Religion class, I'm sure it wasn't that big of a deal but I loved it so much! I'm thankful to have you as my sister and friend!
To my step-brother Billy, thank you for always being there to talk to. I know that I have let all of my feelings out in front of you and you gave me the best advice that you could give me (that's what makes a great big brother :)) I love you as my big brother and as my friend!
To my sister-in-law LaShea, thank you for being my best friend, sister and someone to call when I am hysterically crying. I knew when I met you that one night at our house for Christmas that we would be good friends and I am glad that we are! We have so many memories as sisters and we have only known each other for a little over two years! Thank you for loving me as a sister and being awesome! I love you and can't wait to take our kids on cute cousin dates someday!
To my nephew Jackson, I love you so much Jackson Louis! You always know how to put a smile on my face no matter what! Thank you for letting me have so much fun with you! I will cherish our memories forever!
To my niece Brooklynn, I love you so much Brookie! I always have so much fun with you playing on the trampoline and watching movies! I can't wait to watch you grow into a beautiful young woman!
And last but not least, my mom. Thank you for all that you do to make our family come together and have so much fun! We will cherish you and our memories as a family of nine forever! I love you and I love our new family! You are amazing!!
