stepmom?

Time to say goodbye.

I watched a mom and daughter grope for the appropriate actions. Hugs, kisses, false bravery. Promises of seeing each other soon. Taylor seemed resilient, as if she didn't understand the gravity of the situation. She was all smiles and kisses, shouting "I love you, mom! I'll write you letters every day!"

The car pulled out of the driveway, and Taylor turned and walked past me into the house. Immeadiately, she walked into her bedroom, climed the ladder to her top bunk bed, and began to sob.

"I almost didn't make it. I didn't want mom to see me cry"

I couldn't believe it. She's six. And she's trying to protect her mom from her sadness. She cried, by herself, on her bunk bed for a few minutes. She went through all the necessary emotions - pain, despair, anger - she even threw a flower her mom had given her on the floor in an act of protest. I fumbled for comforting words and actions. I don't even remember what I said. That it would be OK? That we could do this?

And as quickly as they began, the tears ceased.
"Hey Lindsay. Can we play that game again? The one I like with the dog at the veterinarian?"

"Yeah, Tay. That's a good one."

"Lindsay? You're my second mom. No, wait...how about my stepmom? Can you be my stepmom?"

"Sure."

And, just like that, we were on our way. I'm sure she will have her good and bad days - but considering the circumstances, I'd say today was a pretty good day. We watched Mary Kate and Ashley, played volleyball, went to the park and made a friend (Courtney), played "Bank", and made PBJ's for lunch.

My life is so bizarre.