As a kid, my life was tougher than most but fortunately I wasn't alone.
You see at the age of 8 my stepmother sat us both down(my brother Albert and I) and told us she couldn't afford us anymore.
We were going to foster care or we were going to live with our aunt and uncle and our 5 cousins. We weren't sure where were going but we knew we were leaving our home.
She could no longer afford to take care of us and our biological dad had disappeared and left us with her.
Two kids that she did not birth. Two kids that were raised by her. I was devastated and I really didn't understand.
If we loved each other, why did we have to go?... to me....that should be enough. L-O-V-E
As we boarded the plane to Pompano Beach, Florida. I was excited...and yes I was sad...I was angry...and I didn't think I was going to like living with another family. I'll just run away...I loved her...how could she do this to us? It took me a while to understand...
As we met our new brother's and sister's, it was an exciting time for us. OK, I have to admit...living in Florida and having a mom and dad. I thought it was cool...and very different for us but still there was this yearning...this yearning to get back to her!
I wrote her letters....never heard from her....I cried..I was sad....I sent her cards...nothing...I hate her!.... "I'll never be a mom like her, I would never do this to children"..in my mind she did us wrong!
We now lived in a house! We had a dog and we had the Volkswagen van.
As each day passed it got easier. I slowly accepted that my step mom was no longer an influential part of my life. She was no longer my mom....but a person of the past. But the past stays with you and thoughts of her always lingered on.
I remember my first Christmas Eve there, I asked my parents permission to call them mom and dad. I was so happy when they said yes.... I finally had a real sense of family, a very strong sense of family. I loved life and felt lucky...but still there was this little sadness in my heart.
I still thought of her from time to time......Heck Al and I spoke to her again when we were in our 30's. She had a daughter...and a grand daughter...we shared tears and lots of them, we talked and tried to remember. Some things as if it were yesterday....other's I chose to forget.
To this day, I love her and there are occasions I wonder...but the truth is she gave us both a second chance in life. I never understood what she was thinking when I was a kid..... but as a parent....I understand...
Sometimes you do what it takes to give your children a good life...sometimes you have to be selfless...and have courage....and hope you made the right decision.
While at the time to me it felt wrong, I have come to realize it was right and I imagine if she had to do it again...she would have made the same decision.
Growing up I would explain I had 3 moms and two dads bu the truth is I had one set of parents. Parents who took two kids in, gave them a good life and taught them well.
Two parents who are giving, charitable and kind and treated us like their own. For me Thanksgiving is everyday...if it weren't for the selfless acts of these people where would I be today? To all my friends ....Happy Thanksgiving...
Midori Miller, CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by The Activerain Network and it's members and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Midori Miller and Century 21 Sundance Realty. Midori Miller and Century 21 Sundance Realty are not responsible for the accuracy or content provided by The Community.
That deifnately looks like you and Albert!
Obviously I know the whole storiy in detail. I would have never know by meeting John and Ruth. They are your parents and you should be proud to say it. Things in life happen...but you turned out great to me at least. People need to realize what they have..some people are just so unfortunate not to understand that we all live different lives and we all come from different places.
Touching story and I know you and Mr. Computer Wizz are close and thankful that you were not separated. Have you heard the Kelly Pickler song ? She was on American Idol and wrote a song about her similiar situation, she sang it at the AMA last week and broke down. I'm sorry, I can't remember the title but if you haven't heard it I will go find it. Happy Thanksgiving and thanks for sharing a big part of yourself here, Midori!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1XdZtYG1ms
Midori, I love this story, even tho you had a rough start in life, it turned you into a fighter and wonderful person, one I am proud to know. I too am thankful for your parents, without them I don't think we would have the relationship we have now, or even have met.
Missy, the name of that song I believe is Forgiven? I saw it the next day on GMA. It's quite a story, but Kelly and her mom are still estranged. I don't think Kelly believes her mom?
Lysa-All I can tell you is that the feeling is mutual...I definitely have to let my parents know of your kind words. You are in like FLYN....anyone who helps me to be better...they love! I saw the video...it was touching...just as she cried so did I. Feelings like this linger for a very long time. I am just happy..mine had a happy ending. Happy Thanksgiving Lysa and I luv ya...
p.s. Sorry about the mush but sometimes its called for!
Joe-Oh if you stick with the rain...you will learn more...Now don't go spreading it! :) Happy Thanksgiving to one of the best realtors I know.
Oh Midori....I wish I could give you a big hug. That is such a tender and precious part of your heart that you shared with us. It is an honor to be the recipient of your heart. You know...when you share...you challenge us to do the same. AND...that my friend...is a beautiful thing.
I'm so glad that your stepmother gave you the opportunity for a good life. I've seen too many parents resist help for their children, even when they are destroying their childrens' lives. As hard as it was for you and your brother to be separated from her, I believe that God placed you where you could receive everything you needed.
God bless you, my friend. Happy Thanksgiving!
Midori, I cried reading this post. I am happy though that you and your brother got to stay together and that your parents loved you and raised you as their own. A very touching story.
Happy Thanksgiving Midori!
Midori, This is such a heart-wrenching and yet beautiful story. It must have been so hard for you to move at such a young age and never hear from her even when you wrote to her. I'm so glad that you and Al ended up with good people who loved and cared for you.
Thank you for sharing this story of your childhood and I wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving,
Jo
Monika-Funny thing...I cried too! BUT I will say things are never what they seem. Years later I found out she wasn't supposed to contact us...we had to learn to be part of a family, a complete family, everyone (adults) agreed it would be best that way. I think if this decision would not have been made, we would have never been able to move on...who knows what would have happened! Thank you Monika and enjoy yours!
Jo-Anne-My family is the best...all of them! We are definitely lucky! Funny thing, my parents bought a property in Alabama already and the realtor who sold them their property is here on the rain. I contacted him and thanked for the great service he provided for my parents. He in turn sent an e-mail back saying that my parents were already an asset to the community. Here is why...
See my parents have family in Alabama but have not moved into their house. They want to wait until their house in Pompano sells. My parents offered their house to a family..to borrow...as they lost their house in a fire. It turns out the church provided a home for this family but you can bet word traveled fast. I laugh because they don't even live yet...and by just visiting they are already impacting lives. My parents are amazing...they are extremely active in their church, the ms society...I could go on and on... Thanks Joanne...
Hi Midori - tears of sadness and tears of happiness - that's what your post brought to me. I'm very happy for you that you did have a wonderful family to call yours, and that things worked out so that you and your brother could stay together. You certainly have much to be thankful for, as do we all. I'm thankful to have met you here on AR - thanks for all you share with us here.
Happy Thanksgiving Midori!
Ann
No dry eyes at this laptop. Thanks you for sharing your story of inspiration today Midori.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Midory - the name of the song is I Wonder. You have nothing to wonder about now - you know where you are headed, have a great head over your shoulders and lots to be proud of...
Thank you for sharing your story - I love stories with a Reason and thoughts to ponder upon. Today, I am blessed to not just celebrate traditional Thanksgiving, but also the 9th yearly celebration since my son's birth! This tine 9 years ago - no turkey meat, but a nice baby butterball...