After my divorce, I struggled as a single mother to my 7-year-old son, Austin, in Minnesota. Financial stress and declining health made holidays difficult.
My ex-husband, Roy, suggested Austin spend Thanksgiving with him and his new wife, Jill, who seemed to have it all together. I reluctantly agreed, wanting Austin to have a nice holiday.
At their home, I felt like an outsider amidst Jill’s perfect hosting. During dinner, Austin expressed his desire to live with them full-time, which crushed me.
Determined to make Christmas special, I worked extra shifts to buy Austin a LEGO set. On Christmas, I was heartbroken when Jill had bought the same gift.
Overwhelmed, I collapsed, but Jill reassured me that she wasn’t trying to replace me.
We agreed to co-parent for Austin’s sake, exchanging the duplicate gift for another set. Love is about showing up for those who matter most.
