Writer Candice Curry decided to mark the recent marriage of her ex-husband to his new wife Ashley by expressing her gratitude and respect for how she has loved her daughter.
“I never wanted you here. You simply were never part of the plan,” writes Candice on her blog, Women With Worth, adding, “I’m pretty sure you never planned on me being here.”
In a very candid account of her feelings when she first heard that her ex-husband had started a new relationship, Candice goes on to recall how she wished this new girlfriend would be ugly, unfriendly, and wouldn’t bond with her daughter.
Admitting that her plans were “foiled” after meeting Ashley, Candice goes on to pay tribute to her for her unconditional love and respect:
"You've accepted our daughter from the very start and have unconditionally loved both her and her daddy, that's a true gift to all of us. You've included our daughter in everything you do and make her feel loved and accepted. You put her relationship with her daddy above yours and only a brave and courageous woman knows how to do that with such grace.
You've respected my position as mom from the very start. I appreciate that you always check with me when you question if you are making the right decision with her. I know our situation is rare. It's not often that a mom and stepmom text each other to remind each other that they love and respect each other. You are a gift.
Because of you and your courage to mother our daughter the way that you do, she will be a better woman. She will grow up with more love than I could have ever imagined. It wasn't her choice to have divorced parents and even though I wouldn't wish that on any child I am so thankful that she now has 4 parents who love and respect her and each other. She's compassionate because of it and understands that a failure in one area can turn into a blessing in another."
Candice goes on to deem Ashley “a gift”.
What a beautiful dedication, and a truly heart-warming tale of a modern family.
