Yesterday, we were watching old family videos with my sons and my grandchildren. When my older son was identifying the individuals for his children, he mentioned that they were my brother and sisters, then changed it to my step-brother and -sisters.
I had to chime in and tell them Aunt Ellie was my best friend for many years (she has passed away). Then my son mentioned that he never thinks of his brother as his half-brother. (My husband had sole physical custody of his 6-year-old son and he insisted on calling me Mom as soon as I was engaged to his father. I legally adopted him once he was an adult. The other son is my only biological child.)
Because I came from a blended family, I saw my 14-year-old brother's struggle between his loyalty to his mother and his relationship with my mother with whom he lived. I told my son right off that he could love more than one person. Loving me didn't mean he couldn't love his biological mother.
So yes, I totally agree that you should include everyone in the household in your research. This month I'll be posting a story that mentions Nehemiah Spencer who moved from Connecticut to now West Virginia and helped his half-brother, Dr. Joseph Spencer start a settlement.
So sweet. You are so right about loyalties. It's hard for some children to feel good about loving others than their biological parents. What you said to your son is wonderful!
Thank you for commenting. I look forward to your upcoming story.
Yesterday, we were watching old family videos with my sons and my grandchildren. When my older son was identifying the individuals for his children, he mentioned that they were my brother and sisters, then changed it to my step-brother and -sisters.
I had to chime in and tell them Aunt Ellie was my best friend for many years (she has passed away). Then my son mentioned that he never thinks of his brother as his half-brother. (My husband had sole physical custody of his 6-year-old son and he insisted on calling me Mom as soon as I was engaged to his father. I legally adopted him once he was an adult. The other son is my only biological child.)
Because I came from a blended family, I saw my 14-year-old brother's struggle between his loyalty to his mother and his relationship with my mother with whom he lived. I told my son right off that he could love more than one person. Loving me didn't mean he couldn't love his biological mother.
So yes, I totally agree that you should include everyone in the household in your research. This month I'll be posting a story that mentions Nehemiah Spencer who moved from Connecticut to now West Virginia and helped his half-brother, Dr. Joseph Spencer start a settlement.
So sweet. You are so right about loyalties. It's hard for some children to feel good about loving others than their biological parents. What you said to your son is wonderful!
Thank you for commenting. I look forward to your upcoming story.
Thank you. Great reminder.
All very good info. I love the picture of your blended family.
very insightful