Stepmoms

Here's to all the stepmoms out there

The official ones with a ring from the daddy-o

The unofficial ones with nothing but promises

The ones that went all in because you just fall in love 

head over heel with your stepkids

The ones who did it because you love your partner

and you know the kid's happiness matters to them

The ones that do fun exciting things with your stepkid

The ones that are holding their anger checked because WHY ARE YOU SUCH A BRAT

The ones that will not get a "Happy Mother's Day". Ever.

The ones that know they will lose it all when you break up

They are not your children, we kept being told

You do not bore them or blood-related to them, so they say

You will never be their mom, they reminded us

Then what are we, pray do tell?

Why are we wasting our time as a glorified nanny?

Winning no thanks, risking losing all?

Is it better that we stay aloof?

What's yours is yours and do not interfere with me?

Is it better that we maintain the distance?

"I am here just for your dick and nothing else?"

What kind of life is that?

Is love not mean accepting all, parcels and packages?

This Mother's Day, say thanks to those 'extras'

Those pesky women who happened to be a part of Dad's life

Those who reached out and calm you baby

Those who tried to make your precious feel comfortable

Those who give a lending hand to dad to handle the kids

Those who love unconditionally

Knowing fully well they will be taken away as needed

Knowing fully well it may not last

We didn't birth them, nor did we carry them

But we choose to love them nonetheless, to care and protect

And dinner is always served, regardless

Plans still are made with them as the center

"Thank you for being there for the kids."

"Thank you for being here with me with the kids."

"Thank you for being kind to my kids."

"Thank you for choosing to be decent."

And parents: don't ever, ever start a relationship

If you are not 100% sure this is the right person for your kids

And when you do found this person

Keep them. Fight for them. Make their sacrifice matter.

Because in the end, it's these stepmoms who will lose it all.

So cheers to you, ladies. Thank you for being a mom.