Hi Jeremiah,

I’m not a perfect human; I’m just a human who writes about my imperfect life. At some point, I’ll need to work on forgiveness with this woman, but as she is still actively trying to destroy her adult children’s lives, I’m just not there yet. I’m ok with where I am at the present and am confident I’ll get there eventually.

I do not discuss their mother with them unless they bring it up, and when they do, I keep the conversation light. I take them shopping for gifts for her and encourage her youngest daughter to make some sort of attempt at a relationship, though, as of yet, she refuses.

I’m sorry for your bad experience with your stepmother, but take care that you aren’t coloring your opinion of all stepmothers with that lens.