A Stepmom's Pain

My name is Jennifer and I am a stepmom (hears claps and whistles all around)... Here I am imagining myself in a support group just like the AAs.  They should have a support group like that, for us, stepmoms ... really, serious.  The things we go through as stepmom's no one will ever know.

Treating someone else's child as your own is not easy. Loving them and having to correct them is tough.  Taking their nonsense and putting up with it, challenging.  It is really tough love. Despite all this, do not expect to be called "mummy" or even think of ever receiving a mother's day card. 

Even though, I had psyched myself not to expect it, I still do and it hurts when it doesn't happen.  Like today, I think I did my share of encouraging, motivating, teaching, training, coaching, nagging and reprimanding (okay, I did not say I was a perfect stepmom) ; accepting the grumbling, the whining, the tantrum, the black face, the stomps; to propel my no two boy to 1st position from 8th position.  Boy, did it hurt when I found out that the moment he knew he got the 1st position in school, he called his mom... not me nor dad (anyway, dad is overseas right now).  I only found out later when he got back from school.  When asked why he did not call me to let me know, he said he cannot remember my mobile no (i clearly wrote it in his pupil's diary as the person to call during emergency).  The thing is, he lives with us 24/7 and he sees his mom like once or twice a month ... (speechless!)

There, enough said.  I am NOT top-of-mind. Needless to say, I was disappointed, hurt, bewildered and angry (teary-eyed, yup, who would ever thought, this is me).  But what can I do?  I accepted this role so I just have to take it all in. (now, where is that support group when I needed one).

As teary-eyed and hurt as I am, I know only God knows the things I go through.  He lifts me up and shows me that it is okay to not be acknowledged for the things we do... (didn't he go through something similar for us)  

Guess, I just got to continue being a stepmom and be the best stepmom that I can be.. regardless... and not expect anything in return.... (right~)