Dear Parent,
I see the love you pour into a child who isn’t biologically related to you and I want to acknowledge the beauty and selflessness of that love.
The role you play in his life is invaluable and isn’t always easy to portray. It can be a challenging role and there is no tangible means to measure how somebody truly loves a child. I understand that loving a child who isn’t biologically related to you, in the prying eyes of many, may not always show the depth of your care. Even when you are trying, the bond can still feel foreign.
“I’m not here to replace anybody,” you want to tell him yourself. “I just want you to know that I can also see you the way you want to be seen, and hear you the way you want to be heard,” says the little voice inside your head.
There might be moments of doubt, fear, or confusion, but your love should stand steadfast and strong. Please know that the bond you are building is priceless, and such will last a lifetime, even when that child may not yet understand nor be able to express their gratitude or acceptance. There are times when you think that the shoe will never fit, and it may probably never will, but that's okay, you put those shoes on and march forward anyway.
Read Also: 9 Celebrity Blended Families We Love; Plus, Lessons On Acceptance And Forgiveness
Dear parent, though it may go unsaid, and probably isn’t always shown, trust that a love that's genuine will always be felt by the child deeply and everyone who witnesses it. You may feel that your sacrifices sometimes go unnoticed and undervalued–your attempts to cook that child’s favorite dish, your efforts to speak his language, your taking chances in making him feel he belongs in this family, even if he tries to avoid you and often lock himself up in his room—keep loving him anyway. He is afraid to love you because it feels like he’s betraying his biological parent.
But have faith that the love you give will always be more noble than the love you receive. A love that is real will not be ignored forever. So please, be kind to yourself.
Dear parent, parenthood isn’t always defined by DNA, but by the time, care, and support you provide. Your nurturing spirit, the way you show up in small and big moments is what truly matters. You are shaping this child’s world, showing him that love can come from many different places and people, in all shapes and sizes, including yours. Be reminded that your presence in his life gives him security, your guidance helps him grow, and your affection makes him feel cherished. You are giving them the greatest gift — unconditional love. It takes a special kind of person to open her heart in this way, and I want you to remember that the impact you have is real and profound.
Thank you for being a parent in every sense of the word. Someone else may have carried that child in her womb, but your dedication will help carry him through for the rest of his life's journey. That child will keep that love inside him throughout his life, knowing he was cared for in the most remarkable way.
Thank you, dear parent, for a love that’s brave and kind.
A biological mom sends gratitude to her son's stepmom. Read their story here.
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