Break-ups and divorces are usually messy affairs. When two people go their separate ways, for whatever reason, it usually has a knock-on effect that can ripple across the entire family.
This includes certain tensions that are often inevitably present between step-parents and parents. When people move on and find new ‘lovers’, it’s not uncommon for bitterness to ensue, making things worse for everyone involved, including the children.
Of course, that’s not always the case. Wonderful are the examples where two people agree to a split and not only remain on good terms, but embrace the new lives of their former partners. The Loving-Henry family is a perfect case in point …
Audrey Loving and Corey Henry met when they were 18. They would go on to get engaged, before having a daughter, Riley, who’s now 4-years-old.
Unfortunately, a blend of long-distance struggles and personal differences resulted in them breaking up. Loving got full custody of Riley – due to the distance between her and Corey – but Corey is still actively involved on a regular basis.
New girlfriend
When Henry met someone new, and the two subsequently started dating, he would have been forgiven for thinking it might be a sensitive subject.
And yet Audrey was the first to impress upon Riley that she needed to love and respect this new family member. Having come from a blended family herself, Audrey knew the kind of stress a child can go through when there’s animosity between a mom and step-mom.
Listening to her mom, Riley struck up a great bond with her dad’s new girlfriend. Audrey took to Facebook not only to praise her daughter, but also the woman who will be the other mother figure in her life.
“This is my daughters fathers girlfriend. The sweetest thing ever! I’m super thankful for her because when she visits her dad she feeds her, takes care of her, buys her gifts, and basically takes care of her like her own. Why do all these moms act so spiteful and jealous towards the other women? NOONE said it was easy trying to be a mother to a kid you didn’t have. So when there is someone trying, don’t push them away! Because they DON’T need the drama they WILL leave and then you’re stuck with someone who is the evil step mom. Yes they exist! I see them everywhere! A kid can have two moms because in my eyes the more people that love her I’m happy! I would never make her feel like an outsider; I’m extremely thankful for this girl.
Ladies, grow up and focus on being a good mom. Love more hate less!”
"This is my daughters fathers girlfriend. The sweetest thing ever! I'm super thankful for her because when she visits…
Posted by Love What Matters on Monday, November 14, 2016
Said post garnered over 5,000 comments from others telling Audrey what a wonderful person she was. We have to say we concur! Not everyone acts in such a mature manner, but Audrey’s actions mean that Riley will grow up in a bubble of love and appreciation, whereas she might have grown up being exposed to bitterness and arguments!
What a wonderful parent Audrey truly is!
Share this article if you think children should never be the victims of a break up!
