It was our tag line for over a decade, “I just need to get you to 18.” “If we can just get you to 18, you’ll be fine.” Now here we are. It doesn’t look how I thought it would, but today is the day. It’s finally happened! Happy 18th Birthday, Mia! You are the closest thing I will ever have to a daughter. I will cherish our memories and moments that we’ve shared all these years.
You’ve been dealt one of the crappiest hands in life I’ve met close up. Th system failed you. Your parents and family failed you. Your DHS history is filled with lies from your birth mom they believed. I can’t believe your grandparents want nothing to do with you. I always thought differently though. I don’t believe half of the crap listed in your file. I believe you have the potential to change the world and make a difference with God leading the way. You can go on to do something great and choose a life free of that drama, or you can choose to live the life your currently in and continue to be dragged down. It’s your choice.
But you have a daughter now. Being a parent changes someone. We become defensive and protective. We will do anything for our baby. It’s only natural. Unfortunately, your actions have caused me to bow out now, because it is no longer safe for me to continue being apart of your life. I’ve loved being your “step” mom for the last 13 years. Even though you aren’t mine or Dads biological child, we have raised you like our own. I hope that I have done a good enough job influencing you in the positive direction. I hope that you can see the hand of God keeping his protection over you. I hope you and your daughter make it in life, but I can no longer be a willing participant.
I will always love you and I will always care. Maybe in 10 years you’ll understand why I’ve had to make this very hard choice – or maybe you won’t.
…Only time will tell.
Outnumbered Six to One 