Two little boys came into my life during this time and I enjoyed every moment with them. Rick and I had the girls for Thanksgiving and we created our own traditions. Sometimes we were lucky enough to have them for a week or two during the summer - often one at a time. These times were treasured; even when the girls bickered, I was happy to hear their voices in the home. These were also the times when they would question if they wanted to stay with us for a school year. The door of happiness would close when they would return to their mother and call us with horrid tales of threats if they decided to come to us.
The girls grew up and went away to college. The boys were growing and we moved to California. Then the door opened again, and Courtney found herself in need of a home to reflect on her life and decisions. Rick and I were excited to have her with us - a part of the family and a true sister for the boys. We watched Courtney go through the 'high school' years even though she was in her 20s. She moved out after about nine months but stayed close and we enjoyed our time together. We became close; there was no way for this to happen other than her living with us. But the door needed to close again. She moved back to Arizona to finish college and we moved to Florida so I could start my new job.
Florida was wonderful and the boys were growing up with cousins and grandparents less than a few hours away. It was wonderful but Courtney's presence was missed as she became a sister the boys wanted around...we wanted around. But then the door opened again.
Ashleigh needed us. I am sure her phone call to us was one of the hardest she had ever made. She was the daughter who didn't believe Rick loved her or fought for her when they divorced. She rarely called and would barely talk when we called her. Ashleigh was pregnant and had lost her job. We welcomed her with open arms. The first month or so we were figuring each other out; it must have been hard to travel so far and come to a home you found distrustful. And then it happened.
Ashleigh became part of the family and another true sister to the boys. I had the honor of being her birth coach as little Brooke came into the world. But Ashleigh and Brooke didn't stay with us long - only two weeks after Brooke was born they traveled back to New Jersey to stay. The door closed.
I still look at all those closed doors and wish they would open again. The happiness was wonderful. But I try to think about what door is open and which daughter will again become part of our life. Not that I want pain or strife in their lives, but I am glad we are there for them whenever they need us.
God gave me two sons by birth and three daughters by marriage. I love them all with all my heart. It doesn't matter who birthed them; I love them just the same. The description 'step-mother' is so twisted I hate using it. 'Bonus mom' is a much better description. They are more than 'step' to me - they are my 'BONUS DAUGHTERS.'
I love this!!! Great post. :)
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