Well, I've never been an "evil step mother" -  I've always vowed to to my best at being a good one.
My Mother's Mother died when she was about 13, and she had a step mother that was so mean, so controlling, I cringe at the stories she has told me about growing up during those years. I swore I'd never be like that if I had children of my own, or was a step mother to children who were someone elses. God gave me a love for children as well, and I always wondered why, - until I met my own step son. I love him so dearly. I couldn't love him more, if he were my own. That might sound corney or fake to some, but I can readily assure you it is not.
 
 We always had a good relationship when he was little. Yes, there were some tough times when he was a teenager, ( pretty normal from what I hear), but our good relationship always remained a good one. I NEVER tried to take the place of his mother. I would never disrespect her, or him, like that. I stood by his father, ( my husband), when decisions reguarding him and his well being, and growing up were concerned. I didn't always agree with his father, and would voice my opinion if and when I didin't - thinking that maybe offering a different view would be helpful and supportive. His father would listen, and we would talk about what was going on, but I always respected the fact that it was his decision on how to dicipline or give advice, or handle whatever needed to be handled. He is my stepson's father after all, and I never wanted to disrespect that fact, or the fact that my step son has a mother. I always took great care to show her respect too. 

 That said - I loved him dearly, and still do - no matter what. - It is like, he was born in my hert. yeah, that sounds kinda hokey to some too, but I don't care - it's true. - It couldn't be truer. 
 For mother's day, I would recieve a card, or a picture or once, something he made in school - I cherished it - and in fact still have it along with all the other things he has given me over the years. I cherish them all! :)
 but -
he is older now, and will in fact be getting married this year. - and ever since several years ago, he, and his fiance' have always given me a card too - but it's very different - instead of seeing me at all, instead of calling me at all, I get a mother's day card that is oh-so-quietly, slipped into our mailbox at the end of our driveway. - if I'm lucky, I will get some sort of notice that it is there, ( I think I got a phone call once to let me know my card was in the box). - One year - I got a rose from them! - ( yes, I still have that too - and cherish it to this day as well).

 this year - as I ws getting some potted plants ready to take to my Mother-in-law's, I had a feeling, and thought I'd go and check our mail box - it was there - my first name on a bright pick envelope, and reading inside the cover - in handwriting; "we hope your Mother's Day was a relaxing enjoyable one!" -

 Iv'e heard it can heart your heart sometimes to be a mother, but I didn't think it would ever hurt this much to be a step mother.

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