Sometimes I reflect on the relationships in my life and realize just how thankful and blessed I am. I’ve never been someone who seeks pity or wants others to feel bad for me because of what I’ve been through. When I share my experiences, it’s not for sympathy—it’s because I want people to understand why I am the way I am. I also know that many others have gone through similar experiences, and I want them to know there’s no shame in the choices they’ve had to make.
Since high school, I have been fortunate to have incredible women in my life who have treated me as their own. One woman was so concerned about my home life that she seriously considered adopting me, even researching the steps and paperwork required. Years later, another woman offered me a place to live with only one request—that I start college and figure out what I wanted to do with my life. Without her support, I may have never pursued my education. For over a decade, my best friend’s mother has been a steady source of love and care, always checking in on me, offering me a place to stay, and making me feel truly welcome in her home.
More recently, I’ve been blessed with another wonderful woman who treats me like her own daughter. She is always there when I need something, offering a home, food, gifts, and—most importantly—a listening ear. Even when her son and I don’t see eye to eye, she allows me the space to express myself without judgment. Of course, we have our differences, but they never change the love and support she gives me.
I’ve always had my stepmom in my life, though our relationship was distant when I was younger. As an adult, I am beyond grateful to have her by my side. She listens without judgment, always asking whether I need to vent or if I want advice. She has never made me feel like anything less than family and has included me in everything, even when it wasn’t always easy for her.
Despite the love and support I’ve received from these amazing women, I sometimes struggle with the fact that my own mother hasn’t treated me the same way. As a child, I couldn’t understand why she was harder on me than my siblings. I didn’t fully grasp how poorly I was treated until I shared my experiences with others and saw their reactions. Now, as an adult, I still struggle to comprehend how a mother can twist stories, create lies, and refuse to support her own child. It’s painful to realize that, after years of trying to build a healthy relationship, she refuses to take accountability or apologize.
For a long time, I feared that not having a relationship with her would leave a void in my life. But the truth is, I’m not missing out. I am surrounded by motherly women who love and support me without conditions. They don’t belittle me or dismiss my pain. They offer advice, lend a helping hand, and genuinely want the best for me. They don’t compare accomplishments, gossip about me, or break my trust. They love me the way I deserve to be loved, and that’s more than enough.
I am deeply thankful for the women who have stepped into my life, noticed what I needed, and given me their unwavering love. I don’t know how I could ever repay them for all they’ve done, but I do know that my heart is full because of them. And for that, I will always be grateful.
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