Dear Kari,
As the world celebrates mothers, I celebrate you—the stepmom of my kids—and the qualities you’re teaching them with the gift of your life in theirs:
Patience: You endured the awkward season of getting to know your husband’s extroverted ex-wife and decided that showing up and being present on the sidelines of the kids’ sporting events mattered more than avoiding the situation. (I know it wasn’t easy.)
Nurture: You are a true caretaker and a champion for the underdog. Whether it’s rescuing an animal in distress, volunteering your time for those less fortunate, or caring for a family member when they need you, you’re the kind of woman who’s always there.
Grace: You allow a genuine friendship between me and the kids’ dad, and have extended friendship to me as well. There’s nothing like sharing a bottle of wine together at a graduation party or saving seats for us next to you in church that proves to the world that love is much more powerful than hate.
Faith: Your wholehearted pursuit of a relationship with Jesus and the strength you draw from your ever-growing faith are both an example and an inspiration for all of us.
Authenticity: You’re the real deal. You don’t claim to be perfect, nor condemn others who aren’t. There’s nothing put-on about you. You embrace who you are and laugh at the rest.
Love: You make my kids’ dad happier than I’ve ever seen him. Because of you, the kids will have a legacy of seeing their dad in a healthy marriage that they’ll carry forward forever.
So thank you, Kari, for investing your heart and influence into the lives of my kids…OUR kids. Thanks for showing them that love is bigger than fear—and that love wins.
I’m honored to share Mother’s Day with you and recognize that the kids will be better because they had another mother like you to love them.
One of these days we need to toast the blessings and craziness of motherhood with another VERY big bottle of wine.
Happy Mother’s Day!
With love and gratitude-
Kami
