Angels in our lives

Whatever your religion, ever wonder if there are angels around you when you're going through life trials and tribulations?
I discovered my 'guardian angels' recently. And I only realised who they were amidst a small family dispute. Was going thru another one of those arguments with Samantha... got really mad with her and walked back to my room to take my shower. As usual, she's in that mode of "You're not my mother! You've no right to interfere with what I do" business... My sister happened to be at my place and spoke to her. Soon after that, Samantha seemed to have cooled off and came by to apologise.
Just as it hit me that my sister was an angel to me then, my mum is yet another constant angel by my side. Since I had my own baby, she's been staying with me to help look after Steward. I can't imagine what I'll do with her...times when I need to tend to the older kids, eg bring Samantha/Samuel for their counselling sessions, attend Samantha's school praying support group, pick up Samantha/Samuel or bring either of them to see the doc, etc. Of course, my mum has also been nice to the 2 Sams, sometimes cooking their favourite dishes or teaching them some crafts.
Yes, sometimes we're so consumed with life challenges that we don't pause to step out of the circle to see/appreciate some of the good stuff... Thank you God, for sending me an angel in my times of need...

Blessings

I was reading an article recently and was reminded of the phrase that "Children are a gift from God". Indeed, God didn't say "your children". He said "children". So regardless of biological or step-children, they are all blessings from God. The stepmum who wrote the article went on to say how that was the turning point for her, where she realised that even when her step-daughter wasn't acting or talking like a blessing to her, she needed to figure out what God meant by that and her attitude towards her step-child began to change. After surviving nine years being a stepmum, there was light at the end of the tunnel for her. Together with her step-daughter, they've written a new book, "You're NOT my Mom" to offer hope to others.

From another perspective, a mother from my mothers' support group shared something interesting upon hearing my stepfamily story. "You should wake up every morning and tell yourself that you're a blessing to your children," she encouraged me...that my step-children especially, are fortunate to have me in their lives. Wow! It's amazing how a change of mindset can get one going... Such is the power of positive thinking. Suddenly, I'm driven to be that blessing!

Support Groups

I've finally found a step-parent support group. Though it is small with around 3-5 families, I've gained tremendous insights. The dynamics of a step-family are really varied... the step-parent may be the father, mother or even both. Even in the category of stepmothers, the family background is just as diverse. One stepmother is only 6 months into her marriage with 2 stepdaughters whose biological mum had passed away. Where blended families are concerned, the profile is equally interesting. One mum with her daughter married another man with 5 sons and together, they are parents and step-parents to 6 kids living under the same roof! Talk about having a challenging job...
I've also joined a mothers' praying support group in my daughter's school... although I've only been to 2 meetings so far, I must say the mothers have been really nice and sincere. However, I cannot help but feel a little out of place as I seem to be the only one with the most problems... struggling with my girl having 'nothing to do at home after school', not returning home after school but hanging out at undesirable spots eg shopping malls, game arcades, basketball courts, etc.
Sigh! Looks like I need to join more support groups...another one for parents with teenagers (since my son has just started secondary school) and one more for parents with toddlers (since my baby is 13 months+)... But I really hope and want to meet more step-parents, especially step-mothers with step-daughters who have survived that teenage phase...

New Year, New Hope

A new year certainly brings new hope...thank God for another new year that we can start things afresh and do what we do better. I'm always mindful not to take for granted another new day of my life, cuz I never know when there'll be no tomorrow for me. So carpe diem, seize the day!

For a start, I'm excited about the new year...for one, I found a long-lost pal through this blog! Looking forward to meeting him soon...

Here's my hope list for 2006:
1) Family - Continued love, peace and harmony in the home...Good health for one & all
For Andrew - that I'll watch his health and make sure he lose weight!
For Samantha - that she may learn the concept of delayed gratification and self-discipline
For Samuel - that he may mature and cope well with his new secondary school life
For Steward - that he'll continue to grow healthily and remain a happy, cheerful boy
For mum - that good health and happiness bestow her
For myself - better adjustment as a SAHM-cum-freelance worker, exercise more (as my recent health report requested)

2) Food for my mind - that I can write better/faster, have more spaced-out assignments; that I have more time to read the books that are piling by my bedside (God, please make Steward sleep earlier and faster at night so that I have more free time); do something for stepfamilies in Singapore (not sure how/what but pray for the right opportunities)

3) Friends - that we may spend more regular time together to catch up. I believe it's all about 'making time'...we're all busy, we have no time, we only make time for things that we deem important enough

Meanwhile, I'm looking forward to moving house this year...so all interior designs/decor ideas are most welcome!