ter place financially NOW, than we were in
1992. They understand that, but the teasing hasn’t gone away.
RW: What are the pros and cons of entering into a blended family?
Mary Ellen: Pros: I wouldn’t have these
great kids in my life if I didn’t take that
chance. I can’t imagine my life without
them. Even if something happened to
cause an end to my marriage, I would still
call the oldest two “my kids.” I love them
dearly and nothing will ever change
that! Our oldest daughter even made
us grandparents, and that will always
be MY GRAND-DAUGHTER---No “bonus”
Grama! With my two older children, my
life is that much richer.
reward), the children will see your heart.
You will have a much better relationship
with them as they become adults, because they know you were there for all
the right reasons. Trickery will get you
nowhere and you’ll have no relationship
with them. Never make them pick sides.
Never test their love. Just give your love
and it will come back unmeasurably.
RW: What do you do to strengthen your
family?
Mary Ellen: Love. Communicate. Respect
each other. Be honest. Share Jesus. Stand
together. When you give and share these
qualities in your family, it will be strong.
If any of those are weak, or not practiced,
your family strength is diminished.
Cons: You have to be confident in who
you are as a mother and not allow
yourself to be petty about things that
are normal. Children will always gravitate toward their birth mother first. I
wouldn’t want anything less. But I’ve
met many stepmothers who are jealous
of that. You can’t do that. You have to
find it in yourself to respect and see the
love in the birth mother. It’s only fair to
them, and I’d want the same for me and
my children.
RW: Do you have a horror story you’d like
to share?
There were times when the children were
younger that I did not feel my worth in
their lives. You give, but not sure if they
know how much you love them. Trust
me, if you gave with your heart (and NOT
for manipulation, or “to win” or for any
Mary Ellen: Any time my oldest children
Mary Ellen: Horror Story...hmm let me see.
Only that there were times when the kids
were young, I was inexperienced, and I’m
not always proud about how I handled
every situations. But we grew from there,
and I KNOW I am a better mom today.
RW: Do you have a bonding moment
you’d like to share?
(my bonus kids), come to me for my
thoughts, my advice, or want me to be
there with them. There is nothing more
rewarding than that. Our eldest daughNOV/DEC 2015
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