The relationship between biological parents, and the parents brought into children’s lives by marriage, is often one marred by struggle.
Watch almost any Disney picture and the ‘stepmother’ character is one that is not only unlikeable, but evil. But the reality is that there are some amazing parents out there who are committed to loving and raising kids who aren’t their own.
One mother who knows this all too well is Candace Sutton who took to Facebook to share a classy post praising her son’s stepmother on her wedding day, and it’s gone viral.
In her letter to her son Jaedyn’s “other mother” Candace said, “It’s so easy loving children that are yours. But it takes a special kind of woman to love a child that’s not hers.”
The US mother openly acknowledged how hard it was initially to hear his son come home one day “raving” about his dad’s new girlfriend, Taryn.
“I wasn’t in any rush to like you,” the mother-of-two admitted. “It was nothing personal, but I just didn’t feel like trying.”
But Candace said that she really got to know Taryn “through the eyes of my son” and eventually her position changed.
“I learned to love you because of that,” she wrote. “I saw the way you stepped in and did what he needed – not because you had to but because you CHOSE to – and words can’t ever express how much I needed you to do that.”
Candace Sutton. PHOTO: Candace Sutton/ Facebook.
She wrote the post, which has been shared more than 13,000 times, on the day that her ex and his new partner were married said that the fact she was welcomed to the celebration solidified Taryn’s role in her family’s life.
Candace wrote: “Deep down, I know that my son will forever be in good hands with you. Today, Jaedyn is no longer just mine and David’s. He’s yours, too.”
Candace signed off #LoveWhatMatters.
Wise words.
This is Candace Sutton’s entire post via Facebook…
To my son’s other mom,
9 years ago, I would have never placed you in our lives. But a few years ago, Jaedyn came home ranting and raving about his dad’s new girlfriend Taryn. I wasn’t in any rush to like you. It was nothing personal, but I just didn’t feel like trying. I met you through the eyes of my son. I learned to love you because of that. I saw the way you stepped in and did what he needed- not because you had to but because you CHOSE to- and words can’t ever express how much I needed you to do that.
It’s so easy loving children that are yours. But it takes a special kind of woman to love a child that’s not hers. I know my son so well. I know how difficult and frustrating it must have been to adjust to his passive and nonchalant behavior. The way he stares at you when you ask him a question, with no answer to follow. I know it had to be hard learning to be a parent, unexpectedly. But you mastered it!! You stepped in and took care of business, while maintaining the utmost respect for me.
I know there were times you put yourself behind his wants and needs and you didn’t sign up for that. But you did it…. I’ve grown to love you for that. I watched you walk down the aisle today to say “I do” to my son’s father, and I was overwhelmed with joy. Deep down, I know that my son will forever be in good hands with you. Today, Jaedyn is no longer just Mine and David’s. He’s yours, too.
THANK YOU!!
So glad y’all allowed me to share this day with you.
*Sincerely,
“The unconventional baby mama”*
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