As a kid, my life was tougher than most but fortunately I wasn't alone.

You see at the age of 8 my stepmother sat us both down(my brother Albert and I)  and told us she couldn't afford us anymore.

We were going to foster care or we were going to live with our aunt and uncle and our 5 cousins.  We weren't sure where were going but we knew we were leaving our home.

She could no longer afford to take care of us and our biological dad had disappeared and left us with her. 

Two kids that she did not birth.  Two kids that were raised by her.  I was devastated and I really didn't understand. 

If we loved each other, why did we have to go?...  to me....that should be enough.  L-O-V-E

As we boarded the plane to Pompano Beach, Florida. I was excited...and yes I was sad...I was angry...and I didn't think I was going to like living with another family.  I'll just run away...I loved her...how could she do this to us?  It took me a while to understand...

As we met our new brother's and sister's, it was an exciting time for us. OK, I have to admit...living in Florida and having a mom and dad.  I thought it was cool...and very different for us but still there was this yearning...this yearning to get back to her! 

I wrote her letters....never heard from her....I cried..I was sad....I sent her cards...nothing...I hate her!.... "I'll never be a mom like her, I would never do this to children"..in my mind she did us wrong!

We now lived in a house!  We had a dog and we had the Volkswagen van. 

As each day passed it got easier. I slowly accepted that my step mom was no longer an influential part of my life.  She was no longer my mom....but a person of the past.  But the past stays with you and thoughts of her always lingered on.  

I remember my first Christmas Eve there, I asked my parents permission to call them mom and dad.  I was so happy when they said yes....  I finally had a real sense of family, a very strong sense of family.  I loved life and felt lucky...but still there was this little sadness in my heart.

I still thought of her from time to time......Heck Al and I spoke to her again when we were in our 30's.  She had a daughter...and a grand daughter...we shared tears and lots of them, we talked and tried to remember.  Some things as if it were yesterday....other's I chose to forget. 

To this day, I love her and there are occasions I wonder...but the truth is she gave us both a second chance in life.  I never understood what she was thinking when I was a kid..... but as a parent....I understand...

Sometimes you do what it takes to give your children a good life...sometimes you have to be selfless...and have courage....and hope you made the right decision. 

While at the time to me it felt wrong, I have come to realize it was right and I imagine if she had to do it again...she would have made the same decision.

Growing up I would explain I had 3 moms and two dads bu the truth is I had one set of parents.  Parents who took two kids in, gave them a good life and taught them well. 

Two parents who are giving, charitable and kind  and treated us like their own.  For me Thanksgiving is everyday...if it weren't for the selfless acts of these people where would I be today?   To all my friends ....Happy Thanksgiving...

Midori Miller, CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty

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