What's in a Name?

I write about my life as a mom- a mom to Joe, Lucy and Max.

I don't really write about being a step-mom.

If you and I have talked about parenting, there is no doubt that I've talked your ear off about my life as a step-mom, and maybe even cried on your shoulder.  But when it comes to writing, I guess I don't know where to begin.  After all, this is a blog and not a book, and for me, when it comes to being a step-parent, there are so many avenues to explore, emotions to work through, and stories to tell, and I'm afraid to write about it.  I don't want to wrongfully represent this part of my life- this most challenging part, laced with love, of course, but certainly the chart-topping challenge of my existence thus far- a daily investment of truly everything that I have to give, yet my stepson's heart has always belonged to another woman.

And so I carefully open this door.

This summer has been different than the past 5 summers.  Perhaps it has been the counseling.  Maybe it has been the prayers.  Or it could be the perfect storm of many things, including the reality check that Joe has experienced, as he is just weeks away from turning 12, beginning middle school, and considering himself a "tween"- he is simply growing up.  The reality check hasn't been easy for him, but was inevitable .

And something has changed.
And the result has been a new name for me:  mom.

Isn't it just the most beautiful name?!!

Just "mom".  For three years I've been "Momakin", which was a step up from "Annie", but nothing quite compares to "mom".

It has been a really great summer :)