Adopting a Teenager

My dad and stepmom were married when I was 12...which would make them 30. This was my stepmom's first marriage.

A year after they were married, I decided I wanted to move in with them. I was 13, they were practically still newlyweds.

Who would ever think they would skip ages newborn to 12 and have a 13 year old. She chauffeured, she volunteered, she attended concerts and events, parent meetings, checked homework, was my go between with my dad when it came to boys and bad grades. A bratty teenager that she didn't know 2 years ago, and she took me in like her own.

The next year, they were stationed in Congo, Africa and I went to live with my mom for 2 1/2 years. Once they got back, I promptly was put on a plane from NC to CA to be with them.

Once again, she took me in as her own. She was president of the Band Boosters, volunteered or made something for every event, club, came to every fundraiser, took me shopping for every dance, and supported me in every way.

Now, I may not live with them, but she still treats me like her own. We talk every few days, she asks when I'm going to visit, and always reminds me she loves me.

I was reminded how lucky I was when I went to Phoenix to say goodbye while the packers were getting them ready for their move to Kentucky. I went to my little sister's school with my stepmom (as she does the same things for my little sister (actually her daughter) where she volunteers almost daily. Each person she introduced me to, she would say, "This is my daughter". Not my stepdaughter, not my husband’s daughter, not Sis#2's big sister....but her daughter.

Although she is the same age as my father and could realistically have had me, everyone thinks we are sisters and that I am Sis#2's mom.

She knew my father had 2 daughters when she married him. But did she have any idea what she would be getting herself into? I don't know, but I'm glad she did! I am a lucky woman!