Until now...
Since becoming a step-parent almost 9 years ago, I have learned that I can be jealous and no amount of gratitude can change it. What I am jealous of is normal co-parenting relationships. Exes that can iron out differences; step-parents that chip in to the efforts of child rearing without fear of confrontation from the biological parents; kids that don't have to see the people they love in constant conflict or feel the animosity at every possible event their parents and step-parents attend. Blended families that can function, even at a very basic level, are something I envy. It is the biggest, baddest, most ferocious green monster I have ever come across. It's about the size of the National Debt and twice as ridiculous.
The ridiculousness comes from the fact that there is no blended family ANYWHERE, no matter what the circumstances, that should NOT be able to function at that basic level IF they could put the children first. It is the adults in the situation that have that control and being adults, they should be able to act like one. At all times. No matter what. Divorces and break-ups are not usually happy, fun times. I get it. I've been through both. No one is doing cartwheels through the division of property or friends or their breaking hearts. But I always knew that my child deserved a parent that could move past the adult difficulties to do my job for them. It wasn't always easy and a lot of smiles were as fake as a cubic zirconium engagement ring, but it is what you do. It should be a reflex, like ducking through a small door or flinching when a bee flies around your face.
It should be a reflex, innate and instinctive. Dear God, it should be.
(to be continued...)
