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For those of you who have just recently started reading this blog, I would like to quickly preface this post by sharing with you that my biological mother passed away when I was 6 years old. My father was remarried two years later to the woman who is now my mother.

My stepmother was only 22 years old when she married my father, who was 43.

And I've got to tell you...she had an extremely difficult time being accepted into our family after their marriage.

You would think that the difficulties in being accepted would have naturally come from my biological mothers side of the family, having lost their daughter and then watching another woman walk in; taking over the care of their grandchildren.

But amazingly enough, they immediately welcomed her with open arms and treated her as if she was their own daughter.

However, the welcome from my fathers side of the family was a completely different story....

They basically treated her as if she didn't even exist.

They all thought that my mother was too young and had only married my father because of his financial success. I guess they assumed that if they ignored her long enough, she would just go away and their marriage would dissolve. But what's ironic, is that everyone who assumed that my parents would be divorced within a year, all ended up getting divorced themselves. And yet, it was my parents marriage that continued.

What's even more ironic, is that later in life when my father went through several financial hardships, my mother loyally stood beside him and picked up the shattered pieces.

Not only did she have difficulties with her new in-laws, but she also had tremendous challenges with her three new children.

We all gave my mother a very rough time.

We resented her and did everything in our power to make sure she knew it.

We resisted anything she asked of us.

We retaliated by doing everything in complete opposition.

Here was a 22 year old woman, who had walked into a marriage with three resentful children and a set of in-laws who wanted nothing to do with her, yet trying her best to be a good mother and having no support.

And my father, for as wonderful a husband and father that he was in many ways, never confronted his children or family about giving my mother the respect she deserved.

However, being the type of person that she is, she persisted...and never gave up on us.

And when everything else she tried to say or do, failed, she gave the only thing she could give in silence....love.

And it was that love, which eventually broke through and softened our resistant hearts.

I have a lot to be grateful for in having this special lady come into my life.

Not only did she provide me with a wonderful childhood, but she was/is the perfect example of the power of a mother's love.

She took a situation that was heavily wrinkled in creases and lovingly ironed them out.

So, thank you...

...and Happy Mother's Day.




Happy Mother's Day to all you wonderful ladies!



Have a great weekend everyone!

X

34 comments:

  1. Thank you, Ronnie's Mommy, for making him the beautiful person he is.

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  2. Aww!! Glad you were finally able to appreciate your mother. I think every kid goes through some sort of resentment whether biological or not

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  3. Beautiful,
    If I were you, I would have this printed on a pretty paper and present it to her.Yes, she loves you all but it's great reading it and esp hearing it.

    I think that you & your siblings were probably not cruel, but hurting on the inside. You lost your Mom and were confused & sad. And here comes this young lady.

    But it sounds like you & your Dad were very lucky.

    Hugs to ya, Ronnie xxxxx
    P.S. I have not been active on the Internet this week. But I'm back !

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  4. What a perfectly wonderful story to share for Mother's Day weekend.
    Thank you.
    Your Mom sounds like a terrific lady and I'm glad a good relationship grew between you.

    I hope you have a really nice weekend. We may go to the movies tonight or tomorrow and to the Jersey shore on Sunday. Hubby has to finish a little work there, and I want to get a new supply of shells for my greeting cards. There's a small restaurant he's eaten in a few times while down there for work and said I might enjoy brunch there.

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  5. What a tribute. What a mother. This goes far beyond the Hallmark Card sentiment that most of us have to work hard to concoct. Terrific work, my friend. Terrific lady. Please make it a good day for her!

    EFH

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  6. What a wonderful tribute to someone that had to come in be a substitute for what everyone else to look at and and judge.
    What a shining example of love you have painted for this individual. She taught all that came in contact with her the true meaning of love with no conditions. And when the times of stress entered her life she gave more support and aided in giving your father and the rest of your family the ability to continue in the face of obstacles. In your heart her image will always remain to guide and protect you.
    A lovely post.

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  7. Aloha Debi!

    My mother has been such a wonderful example of unconditional love.

    Thanks, Deb!

    Have a great weekend!

    And Happy Mother's Day to the mama of both your adorable little pooches!

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  8. Hi Tellie!

    Me too...

    ....it took many years, but her willingness to keep loving prevailed.

    Thanks for dropping by today!

    Have a great weekend!

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  9. Bonjour Barbara!

    What a wonderful suggestion, my friend!

    Both my brother and mother cruise this blog, so she will be reading it.

    And you're right, we were hurting inside, and I'm grateful that she was wise, compassionate, and patient enough to see through our feelings.

    And yes, we were ALL very lucky.

    Thanks a bunch for dropping by Barb! It's always so great to see ya!

    oh...and I finally got the book I ordered from the library yesterday. I can't wait to get started on it!

    X to you and Dider!

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  10. Hellooooo Crystal Chick!

    Yes...my mother is a very special lady and I so enjoy our relationship. We're like best friends. We can talk about anything - she's very cool!

    Hey...I hear the weather is supposed to be awesome this weekend, so a trip to the Jersey shore sounds terrific!!

    Have a wonderful time, neighbor!

    Happy Mother's Day, M!

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  11. Howdy Expat!

    Thanks, bud!

    It's funny, I actually sent her a card earlier this week, but they never seem to say exactly what it is that you want to express, so this post fills in between the lines.

    Thanks for dropping by!

    ALWAYS a pleasure sharing with ya!

    Have an awesome weekend!

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  12. Howdy Mr. Dave!

    What a beautiful comment, my friend!

    You said it all EXACTLY!

    I struggle with unconditional love, and my mother continues to be my example of what it truly means.

    Thank you for your words, Dave.

    Much appreciated!!

    Have a great weekend!

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  13. What a lovely tribute to your 'mother' Ron. Obviously she is a very special lady because you're a very special man and she was instrumental in raising you from six years old wasn't she? :)

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  14. Ron! That's so beautiful, you've made me cry. How lucky you are to have such a wonderful mother and how lucky she is to have such an incredible son.

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  15. ronnie: You've made me cry.

    This is the most wonderful post I've ever read. And I can't stop the tears from falling down my face.

    I want my mom...right now.

    Ciao honey. Thank you...or being you.

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  16. Good Evening Akelamalu!

    Thanks dear lady.

    Yes...she was extremely instrumental in raising me.

    And still is!

    Wishing you the Happiest of Mother's Day, m' dear!

    Thanks for stopping by!

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  17. Evening Lady Nitebyrd!

    Thank you.

    I feel so lucky to have had TWO mothers who ROCK!

    Happy Mother's Day to you, Sis!

    Have a wonderful weekend!

    Thanks for stopping by!

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  18. Dear Miss Jones....

    It's funny, because I wrote this post over a period of two days; not really knowing what I wanted to say or how to say it.

    Then last night, when I was trying to find two pictures for the post, I found the concluding one and it helped me to sum up my feelings clearly.

    I know that your mother must be VERY proud of being the wonderful mother that YOU are!

    Happy Mother's Day, Miss J.!

    Thank you for stopping by!

    Enjoy your weekend!!

    Ciao bella
    X

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  19. My step-mother was the only mom I had in my lifetime. And I so wanted a mom... But she wasn't MY mom. And like you, I did everything I could to make her go away.

    Loving without condition, in the face of adversity--over and over and over again.....she got my heart--all of it.
    Just as yours was given.

    You do her proud, yaknow.

    (((((( the mom )))))))

    A blessed Mother's Day to the mom.

    *hugs*

    And thank you--this was written so honourably and truthfully....

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  20. Helloooooo Dear Mel!

    That's right...I do remember you sharing with me on a previous post about you also having a stepmother.

    God...I honestly don't know how the hell she put up with us. We were like DEMON children!

    I'll tell ya...she truly deserves a HUGE Mom award!

    Amazing...

    ..the power of love, hu?

    Thanks sooo much for stopping by this evening, Mel!

    Wishing you the Happiest Mother's Day!!!

    How's that ADORABLE little granddaughter of yours doing???

    {{{{{Nanna}}}}}

    X

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  21. You always post the sweetest tributes to your Mom. She sounds so wonderful, and that light of lOve , glows very brightly in you.

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  22. Hello Lady Sorrow!

    Always so wonderful seeing ya!

    My mother is a pretty amazing woman and I feel beyond blessed having her in my life!

    Thanks for dropping by this evening, sweet lady!

    Wishing you the most faaaabulous Mother's Day!

    X to you!

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  23. She sounds like a wonderful woman.

    So glad love made its way through and you were/are able to have a good relationship with her.

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  24. Howdy Jeff!

    Me too...

    ...my relationship with my mother has taught me a great deal about LOVE.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, bud!

    Enjoy your weekend!

    Later gator!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  25. That's a beautiful tribute, Ron.

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  26. Hi Roberto!

    Thank you, pal!

    And thanks for stopping by, also!

    Have a great weekend, and I hope all is well with the new job!

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  27. ron, you made me cry with this one and you are supposed to make me laugh!! actually this is a very sweet account of your mother and her life with you and your family and she sounds like something else, a strength to be reckoned with...what a blessing to have had her at such a terrible time in all your lives...including your grandparents! wow, sometimes you wonder where people are coming from but who am i to judge...i'm just glad you have a wonderful mom and she has a wonderful son!
    XO

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  28. Hellooooo Linda!

    I know...

    ...I thought I'd totally throw my readers off with this post and share another side to my madness!

    Kind of like a Sears commercial...

    ....The softer side of Sears!

    bwhahahahahahah!

    Thank you SOOOO much for your sweet words, dear lady.

    And yes...you said it perfectly.

    a strength to be reckoned with...

    Special lady, she is!

    Thanks for stopping by tonight, Linda. I was thinking about you today while I was at work; hoping you're having a wonderful weekend relaxing and enjoying your art.

    HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO YOU!!!

    XOXOXO

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  29. Hi Ron,
    Thanks for such a touching and honest story. I'm on another continent from my mom which is often very difficult.
    Sending you lots of sunshine and love from my part of the world.

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  30. What a beautiful tribute. Your mother sounds incredible. You are truly blessed!

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  31. Bonjour Brigitte!

    Thank you so much for the love and shine!

    It's always so great seeing ya!

    That's the thing about parent/child love...

    ...it knows no distance, therefore, can be shared and felt across the continents.

    HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO YOU!!!!

    Have a special day!!

    X

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  32. Hiya Chrissy!

    Thanks, dear lady!

    And yes...I am blessed.

    HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to you too!

    Give a smooch to Bern for me!

    Thank you for dropping by!

    X

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  33. Thank you for sharing this circle of love...I imagine your biological Mother was very happy that this young soul stepped into your lives. It wouldn't surprise me in the least if she didn't have something to do with it from the spirit world!!! A perfectly "divine" story, my dear friend. :)

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  34. Hellooo Dearest Gypsy-Heart!

    I SO agree!

    You have no idea how often I thought that very same thing.

    In fact, my present mother confessed to me years later that she always felt like my biological mother was somehow guiding her. Supporting her. And I truly believe that that's what kept her going.

    Another thing my present mother always says, is that she believes out of all her step-children..."I" was hers. She and I have a very special connection.

    Thank you so much for stopping by my Florida friend!

    And HAPPY BELATED MOTHER'S DAY to you!!!

    Love ya!
    X

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