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Tribute to My Step Mom
By Sherri Smith   
Rated "G" by the Author.
Last edited: Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Posted: Tuesday, April 14, 2009

This tribute is for Judy, who was a Mom when she didn't have to be.

Dear Mom,

To paraphrase a song that was popular a few years ago, you were a Mom when you didn’t have to be. You bought the ticket that allowed me to go to Colorado and get to know my Dad and my Sister. You took me in as your own that week, we laughed, we found many common bonds, and you had fun because Jackie and I had so much fun having our own slumber party! You gave me that second chance to know my California family when it didn’t turn out the way we wanted it when they came to Illinois.

When I came to California for the first time, you made my trip ever so special. You decorated my room with a Cubs banner and I was immediately made to feel at home. I could be so comfortable with you and Dad. We enjoyed movies together, ate cookies, and I sat with you many times in the morning while you were trying to get those darn pills down.

I loved watching you do your hair in pin curls every night. I giggled when you fell asleep in the middle of the job, woke up, and took up right where you left off. The little trips we took in the car were special even though I knew it was taking a lot of courage to go. I can still see you hiding your eyes and gasping at any car that got too close to us! I later understood that feeling when I went through a time when I dreaded driving on the highway and caught myself hiding my eyes and grabbing for the dashboard. I especially remember the time you took your medicine, braved the freeway, and the elevator just so you could go with me to the airport.

Mom, when you got sick and things weren’t looking so good for you, I happened to be with my stepson and family. I hugged him close and told him I knew he didn’t know you, but he had you to thank for the step mom I had become. Yes, you were my role model even though I never had a clue I would ever be a step-mom. You showed me there is enough love in a Mom’s heart to go around to all of her children. My family takes great pride in telling everyone there are no “steps” in our family except the ones that go upstairs. I have you to thank for that wonderful unselfish attitude.

Outside my immediate family, sisters, brothers, and my husband Steve, you were only one of three people who accepted me for whom I am and loved me totally and unconditionally. Steve’s wonderful Mom and Dad were the other two. You encouraged me to continue writing, do the things I love without being afraid of failure, and listened to my problems.

You loved Dad, which made you even more special in my eyes, your daughters accepted me as a member of the family, and many great memories are mine of family dinners and cookouts. Jeannie, Nikki, and Jackie, I’m not there with you in body but my heart is there and please know I am grieving too.

Thanks Mom, you will always have a place in my heart. Thanks for teaching me how to be a good “step” mother and for letting me be “just me.”