Am I a mom?

I started dating Keane when I was turning twenty-one.  His kids were ages two and four.  I've been in their lives for almost five years.  I have been by Keane's side potty-training Kylie, teaching her to ride a bike, reading her stories before bed, and saying nightly prayers with her.  I have been there for Kaden learning to write out his letters, hunt his first rabbit, squirrel, and deer with his dad, memorize his spelling words, and trying to keep his room picked up.  I will be willing to talk with Kylie through fights with her friends, and give Kaden advice as to what girls are looking for in a man.

I came into this family because of their father, and with him came Kaden and Kylie.  I am learning to self-sacrifice, to share Keane, my space, my time, and my belongings.  I have learned to buy snacks that they prefer, and to have less time to get ready on mornings they need tended to.

I have cleaned up after sick nights and picked off ticks.  I have taken temperatures, and washed many loads of dirty kids' clothes.  I plan birthday gifts and outings, as well as holiday schedules and outfits.  I teach the importance of routine habits around the house, and I laugh at their favorite knock knock jokes, pretending I've heard them for the first time.

Knock, knock.

Who's there?

Interrupting cow.

Interrupt...

Moo!

I ride bikes with Kaden and jump rope with Kylie.  I know Kaden will be the first to compliment me after I make a meal or paint an antler, and I can trust Kylie to break an egg for the brownies.  I go to their practices, to their games, and to their school functions.  Sometimes I sit on the sidelines alone, not as one with the real moms or in the mom-club, but my heart is there as much as all the others.

I am not their mother, but I am a mother to them.  And for that, I know I've earned the title of a mother.  The type of mother that cares, loves, and watches out for.  I am one that will be there if they fall, or need a listening ear.  I want to be their friend, and someone that they can trust. 

I love their dad, and I love them.  I have seen them grow tremendously in the past five years.  I know these years are fleeting and because of that, I try to capture the moments.

I hope they grow up knowing that even though I'm not their natural mother, and though I've never tried to fill that position in their lives, I have a motherly heart for them and I would do anything for them.

I won't get to see them this Mother's Day, but I hope I am in their hearts, this Sunday, and every day.

Happy Mother's Day to every stepmother.  You are deserving of praise, thank you's, and hugs...more than there are to give.  You are a very special woman who chooses daily to love someone and care for someone who may not always show their appreciation, but undoubtedly, appreciation is more than deserved, especially on Mother's Day.