Dear Step-Mother

Dear Step-Mother,

You were supposed to be evil, you know.  All the stories talk about how step-mothers come into families and convince their new husbands to abandon their children in the wilds, or tries to kill and cook the children, or any number of terrible things.

You did none of these things.  In fact, evil is the furtherest thing that could possibly describe you.  You were open and kind, generous and loving, witty and joyous.  You had such a bright laugh and a sharp humour.  Coming to your house was always a delight.

You left us yesterday.

It was such a long fight.

And you fought so hard.

I'm so sorry you suffered.  I can't understand why you did.  I mean, I know why.  Cancer.  But why you?  Why now?

I owe you a great debt, you know.  I am so grateful to you.  I am grateful for your loving embrace of our family, of your acceptance of us.  I hold our dinners with great fondness, even now, when I'm crying.

Most of all, I'm grateful that you found my father.  You made him happy, even when he wasn't.  Really, that's all a daughter could ever ask for.  It was a delight to see how he opened up with you at his side.  I promise I'll do my best to keep an eye on him.

I wish I had more time with you, but I am so grateful for the time I did have.

Thank you for coming into my life.  Thank you.

I love you.