The WM Parenting Connection

By Michael Horvath, Stepparenting

Last week we were on vacation in the Beer and Cheese Capital of the United States – Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This city is my hometown. It is where I was born and raised. It is where my family resides. Two years ago was my last visit when I took Djuanna the first time. This time we had Tyler with us. As a stepparent, I feel it is also important that a child know where you come from as well as the biological parents.

I have to admit that for me the trip was pretty far from being a vacation. Some of you might relate that when you go “home” to see family, it isn’t always the most restful of experiences. But then again, the trip really wasn’t about me.

This was about my parents. Seeing my Mom and Dad who aren’t getting any younger. It was about letting the entire family “share” me for a few days. (Not that I think I’m anything special but if they do, well, ok then) It was about Djuanna seeing me among them all and enjoying seeing my grandmother who is all 5’1” tall grab me and call me her “sweet baby boy”. All 6’5” and 50 years of me. But for me what was most important was this “vacation” made Tyler happy. And it was our first vacation together as a real family. As a parent, or stepparent, you do things for them.

Ty had never been to the upper Midwest and I knew it would be exciting for her. Getting to show her off to my family, some of who had not met her yet was a high for me. Watching her bond with my niece Emily (Jessie's younger sister for those who have followed me) was cool too. I think they were separated at birth.

From my view this vacation was great. Like any parent I was able to show Tyler off. I was walking around the state fair, bored on one hand yet entertained by Ty’s antics with my niece on the other. Watching the interactions she had with my dad as they sat close, getting into each other's space, playfully trading elbows. And there was more.

She and Djuanna are my family, the family of my own that I never had. The family my parents hoped I would have. My family.

Stepfamily Vacation