As any parent who has gone through a separation can attest, the situation is far from easy.

Given both the Hollywood and fairytale depiction of stepmothers, it's perhaps unsurprising to learn that one mum harboured certain reservations when it came to her ex-husband's new partner and the relationship she would ultimately share with her daughter.

However, in a heartfelt letter written to Ashley Parish last year, Candice Curry admits her fears had little grounding in reality and she acknowledges the incredibly special role she plays in her daughter's life.

In an outpouring which went viral at the time and is doing the rounds again, Candice applauds Ashley's capabilities as a mother, acknowledges the respect she shows to her husband's ex-wife and celebrates the bond she shares with her daughter.

Beginning the letter, Candice admits she never envisioned herself in this particular situation, writing: "I never wanted you here. You simply were never part of the plan. Growing up and dreaming of my family I never included you. I didn’t want help from another woman to raise my child. The plan was for my family to include me, daddy and our children, not you."
 


Acknowledging Ashley probably experienced similar feelings, Candice wrote: "I can almost bet that when you dreamed of becoming a mother it would be the day you gave birth and not the day you married your husband. I’m pretty sure you never planned on me being here."

Revealing she was initially disappointed to realise her expectations didn't meet reality, Candice continued: "When I first met you I’ll admit you weren’t what I had in mind and a twinge of jealousy shot through my body. You were supposed to be hideous, remember? But you weren’t, you were stunningly beautiful. You were supposed to be a mean old hag, remember? But you weren’t, you were a young, sweet woman."

Candice then turned her attention to Ashley's relationship with Candice's daughter, writing: "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."

In an incredibly moving sentence, Candice pays tribute to Ashley's selfless nature, writing: "You put her relationship with her daddy above yours and only a brave and courageous woman knows how to do that with such grace."
 

In addition to thanking Ashley for the role she plays in her daughter's life, the positive influence she has on the child and the love she shows on a daily basis, Candice then takes a moment to make a promise to her daughter's stepmother.
 


"I promise to always respect your input for our daughter. I promise to never lessen the position you hold in her life or make you feel like you are not her mother. I promise to raise her to be grateful to have two strong and brave women in her life that have the courage to mother her together," Candice wrote.

While acknowledging the relatively seamless ways the two families combined, Candice admits she doesn't necessarily wish it for her daughter, but insists theirs is an example which warrants celebration.

"Even though our situation is peaceful I pray that she is never in it, but if she ever finds herself here I promise to set an example for her of what co-parenting should look like," she finished.

Bowled over by her husband's ex-wife's heartfelt prose, Ashley found herself lost for words, saying: "Candice, I don’t know what to say. I am not good with words like you are and the way you express yourself. All I can say is I am crying like at the end of The Notebook … you make me feel so special … Thank you for this letter."

This has, yet again, made our day!

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