The moms that take care of the babies
Last night, stepmom Sandra Bullock won an Oscar for Best Actress. I was thrilled, not only because she’s just so damned likable and has lived here in Austin, but also because of what she said about the message behind her movie AND the important job that stepmoms around the world do every day–many times without acknowledgment or appreciation.
(Her comments start at about 2:20 in)
“…There are so many people to thank–not enough time–so I would to thank what this film was about for me, which are the moms that take care of the babies and the children, no matter where they came from. Those moms and parents never get thanked….”
If only the mothers of stepchildren would realize what a gift they can give to their children by making it okay to love their stepmoms.
If only the mothers would acknowledge the hard work of the stepmoms in person. If only they would open their hearts to partnership with the other hands-on parents in their kids’ lives….
And to all you stepmoms out there doing the hard stuff with the babies and the children, day in and day out, I salute you and all that you do for your family!
© 2010 Jennifer Newcomb Marine All Rights Reserved
Thanks, Jen! It’s nice to be acknowledged, especially when times get especially hard
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ahh damn, her speech brought tears to my eyes!
“If only the mothers would acknowledge the hard work of the stepmoms in person. If only they would open their hearts to partnership with the other hands-on parents in their kids’ lives….”
Not just the mothers but the fathers the stepmoms are married to, also. Wish they would do that too.
Hi Jenna! Yes, even a simple “thank you” goes a long way, huh? I got teary too. Seems like the older I get, the more weepy I get! Show me someone crying on TV or in a movie and I feel my nose starting to burn….
And excellent point, Priyamvada! I think many fathers feel caught in the middle themselves and probably tune the stepmother’s concerns out, since they don’t know how to “fix” the problem. Sounds like a great topic for a new post. And I like your blog! Will be going back for more.