by Harriet Hairston
Blended families have become quite the norm in modern day times. The Brady Bunch is no longer an exception to be gawked at during prime time television. These days, children are being raised with step-parents, half-siblings and if the parents play their cards right, one big, happy family!
It is in light of that kind of dynamic that I dedicate this article to my 11 year old son, who I did not carry for 9 months, nor did I endure hours of labor to give him life…that’s an honor that his mother had the privilege of bestowing. But to my son, my little prince, Tramond, I’d like to say the following: I may not be your mama, but…
…Your mama gave us all a gift when she gave birth to you. A child was born and a son was given. We know God has awesome things in store for you!
…I love you like I love myself. I’ll never forget when we first met, and as I was making banana pudding, you were afraid that I would cut you as I chopped the bananas. I told you, “Baby, I’d rather cut myself than to EVER cut you. Don’t you worry.” The look you gave me of total and complete trust is etched on my heart even today.
…I’ll kill a brick for you. Your daddy says I’m very protective of you. It’s a cruel, hard world out there, and although I know I can’t keep you safe from it always, I hope when you hear my voice, some semblance of normalcy and love will always ring in your ears. And I double-dog dare someone to strip you of it. It’ll be some slow singing and flower bringing if that ever happens. LOL
…I believe God blessed me with you just as much as He blessed me with your little brother. You’ll never be less than in my eyes.
…There is nothing “stepchild” about you. When I married your Daddy, my main man Jesus gifted me with three other main men: your daddy, you and your brother. I love you all with everything in me.
…I’ll never stop believing in you, and your ability to excel, get good grades, and complete the journey and vision life has in store for you. Jail, premature death, and all those other nasty statistics that plague young black men will NEVER affect you, not because I said so, but because I’ve given you to the Lord, and He says so.
…I understand that you’re getting older, and starting to make your own decisions. You’ve made some significant mistakes lately, but guess what? You’re still alive, and I can tell you’ve learned from them. Your wisdom and observant heart will keep you from going down the wrong path. But if you go, the same will turn you around to the right one.
…I love you. Nothing can ever change that.
BMWK, there are plenty of blended families out there. Leave some words of encouragement and/or love for those who you are connected to in spirit, which trumps blood any day or time.
God bless!
~ Harriet
Harriet Hairston is a woman who slips and slides in and out of labels (military officer, human resource manager, minister, mentor, spoken word artist and teacher). The only ones that have stuck so far are “wife” and “mother” (the most important in her estimation). The rest have taught her well that only what she does for Christ will last. There is one more permanent label she holds: “author.” You can purchase her first book, “Who Are You?” simply by clicking on the link. You can also contact her at harriet_hairston@yahoo.com.
All Week we’ll be running articles on Blended Families from a different perspective each day. To catch up on what you may have missed just click here.