On Nancy’s 18th birthday, her late mother sent her a letter telling her the shocking news that Stephen, her stepfather, was actually her real father. This realization opened the door to healing and a trip down memory lane for a father and daughter that changed their lives forever.

Stephen, my husband, was my guardian when I was a child, but he had a much bigger impact on my life than that. After my mother died when I was ten years old, he was the person I could always count on. Our house had a sad and empty feeling after she left. We both had a hard time in the beginning years.

Everything I knew changed a lot. Stephen was not only a new dad, but also a stranger trying to take on the role of my mother going ahead. When I first began, I made things harder for him.

Stephen, who was under a lot of pressure to do it, pointed out how angry and sad I was. On the other hand, he never left me. He was always there for me, helped me with my chores, went to school events, and listened to me when I needed to. He was there all the time.

Stephen would sneak into my room and say, “Hey, kiddo,” as he looked around. “How did school today?”

Even though I said, “Fine,” I kept my eyes on the book I was reading. Stephen had no idea how I could deal with my sadness, and I was really missing my mother.

He was trying to sound happy when he said, “If you’re hungry, dinner is ready.”

I suddenly lost control and yelled, “I’m not hungry!” “I’m really hungry.” I call out, “Mom!”

Stephen did a lot to make sure we were safe and healthy. He made sure I had everything I needed, like study tools and help with things I was interested in.

“I am making an effort to be present, Nancy,” Stephen said as a very heated argument about my curfew began. “This isn’s not easy either.”

“you’re not my dad!” As I yelled, tears began to fall from my eyes. “You cannot tell me what to do!”