My stepdaughter Emily and I had a chilly relationship for years; we were courteous but emotionally aloof. After her mother passed away, I entered her life by marrying her father David and trying my best to be a constant, even though she never really allowed me in. We grieved together for a short time after David’s death, but we quickly drifted apart once more. Emily gave me a red convertible and took me out to supper as a surprise on my 55th birthday. I was astounded.
yet unclear about the nature of the gesture—was it one of closure or kindness? She informed me that the true present was in the glove box when we got home. I discovered paintings she had done as a child inside, including images of our family,
with me referred to as “Mom.” I was overcome by the feelings. She whispered, “I’ve always loved you, Mom,” melting years of doubt. I simply didn’t know how to express it. M Everything changed in that instant. The vehicle was considerate,
But the real gift was those drawings and her words. It was the first time I actually felt like her mother, and the start of a deeper, heartfelt tie between us.