I Love My Mother: Motherhood Requires Love, Not DNA

Your blood might not run through my veins but you are a part of my heart

I have two mothers. Two very different people, yet they carry the same name. One that birthed me, abused me, and eventually gave me up. One that wanted to be my mother.

I refer to my step-mom as my mother. Why? Because she is the true definition of a mom.

She is a person that I admire and have the utmost respect for because she is kind, honest, sincere, empathetic, and a good friend.

She is the epitome of what a good person should be.

She’s witnessed all of my mistakes and never judged. She is my hero.

I hear it’s rare to like your step-mom. She’s usually a wicked old lady, right? One that doesn’t want to compete for her new husband’s love.

How I met my mother

My dad played in an after-work softball league. When I was with him I would tag along.

My dad was talking to her and I ran up to him, tugging on his pants, completely interrupting them because I was 5 years old.

He introduced me and she was unaware that he had a daughter, but that didn’t scare her.

The start of our relationship

When they moved in together, I was ecstatic about my weekend visits. Getting away from my birth mom, I felt so free to breathe and be myself.

As an aspiring little chef at the ripe age of 8, she would eat anything I’d cook up in her kitchen with a smile.

If I made a mess, she didn’t make a fuss. I was often shocked but always comforted by her calm demeanor.

They get married

When my dad married my mom, it was a beautiful time to celebrate. She would now be in my life forever. She even made it a point to include me in the wedding.

A few years later, when my birth mom kicked me out of the house, I was welcomed by my mom and dad with open arms.

If it wasn’t for her, I don’t know how I would have survived that. She was everything during the toughest time in my life. Her encouragement eased the transition and she made me feel safe.

My teen years

She will even tell you this, but up until I was about 16, I was almost perfect. I was respectful and kind, and I fit right into the family.

Even though I gave her grief when I got into drugs and alcohol, she still describes me in a positive light.

That’s just who she is. Her glass is always half-full.

My adult life

There have been countless times that I’ve called her for advice and she is always there. Her interest in my life is always present. She loves my daughters unconditionally and they love their grandma.

To my mom,

Thank you for always being my best friend. You’ve guided me through many difficult times in my life by showing me kindness and giving me love.

Thank you for loving my father as you do. You are so easygoing and are always up for adventures, even though sometimes you’d rather skip them!

I’ll forever be grateful to you for accepting me, loving me, and treating me like your daughter.

You are my biggest cheerleader and role model. Your affection doesn’t go unnoticed.

My life is brighter because you are in it.

You are the rainbow that came after my stormy childhood.

Although we are not related by blood, we are related by soul. You were meant to be in my life.

Thank you for loving me unconditionally.

I love you more than you’ll ever know.

Tagging 3 Medium members Klara Jane Holloway Brooke Krzyston Gabby Gabs in hopes to read about your mothers!