Stepmom's Day

Today is Stepmom's Day.  This is not a nationally recognized holiday but one that Paul and Peter created a few years ago.   Peter asked Paul yesterday why we celebrate Stepmom's Day when no one else does.  Paul explained to him that Mother's Day is really for Moms and since I don't have any kids of my own, I don't get to celebrate it.  He also explained how Peter is really my only chance to have a kid and it's important for him to honor me, too.  (This is just one reason why I love this man).  So, they chose the Sunday after Mother's Day as the official day.

I must confess that I love having Stepmom's Day.  Being a stepparent is not an easy job.  This is my second shot at it and it is still a challenge.  You're not the "real Mom" but still a parent.  As Peter once described it to me (when he was a bit mad), "Here is the real Mom (with his hand about head height) and here is the stepmom (with his hand about chin height)."   Now I would never try to displace Mom, which would be impossible anyway.  But I do need to be respected as a parent and it's nice to be celebrated, too.  Luckily, Paul is completely supportive of me and my role in the family.  Peter loves me and doesn't love me, depending on the situation.  I don't think that's unusual whether you're the "real" parent or the step.  Most of the time, it's good.  

So, the tradition for Stepmom's Day is for the boys to get me some kind of flower for my flower garden.  This year it was pinks to replace the ones that didn't make it through last winter.  I love pinks and their clove-like smell.  But the surprise part of the gift was the little flower Peter picked out all by himself.  He saw it walking into the nursery but was redirected toward the pinks.  But as they were ready to check-out, Peter went back and asked if he could get one of the bright purple flowers he had first seen.  Of course, Paul said yes.  We encourage unexpected thoughtfulness around here.  So, in addition to the pinks, I got a lovely little African Daisy that was unexpected and sweet and all Peter's idea.  That is the best kind of gift.