Just one of those days where you feel like just quitting.
It would be so much easier just to stop caring. And stop doing.
Oh, how easy it would be to stop. But you cant. You just have to keep going. If you were to stop, you fail. If you were to quit, whats the point?
Just keep swimming. Thats all I hear in my head.
I keep telling myself to hold it in, but I can feel the tears swelling up in my eyes. Just when you think things are looking up, they taking a nasty turn downhill. So fast. How do things like that just happen. From one mutter of a word, all of a sudden its World War III in my house.
Teenage boys are not easy. Teenage boys are not easy when they are not your own. Teenage boys are not easy when they are not your own, they are 16, and me just 10 years older. They are not easy when I am painted to be the bad guy. I am the terrorizer of my husbands previous relationship. Im the devil. Its not easy.
And today, was just one. of. those. days.
I think why not put on 8tracks classical/study and calm and soothe my mind. But it just makes it that much easier for the tears to flow.
Especially since I dont remember the last time I spoke with my mother. When did she last tell me she loved me? Im not her, and I never want to be here. Being present in my step-childrens lives is important to me and I make it a priority.
I feel like I am doing everything in my power to be the best step-mother. I am trying my best to raise a respectable teenage boy to be hard-working, honest, and fun-loving. But, yet all I get are door slams, mutters of utter disgust underneath his breath, and disrespect.
What am I doing wrong? What do I need to do? I feel like I am out of options. I have exhausted and I mean exhausted I am at the point of breaking and no return.
I know parenting is tough and repetitive. But how many times can I repeat myself? At some point, it sticks with them… Right?
I hope…
Breathe.
Just keep swimming.
I guess…
What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others.
Confucius
Welcome to the life of Sew Yupik 
Oh my goodness Nikki, one day your efforts to stepparent a16 yr old boy will be appreciated, by him. When he ” matures” he will say “thank you”, and you will shed more tears, tears of relief and joy and KNOW your efforts really made a difference. But, don’t hold your breath, maturity comes when it comes, I hope and believe he can see and will want to emulate the respect, love and stability in his daily life with you and Joe. And please know you are loved so much and appreciated , but I hear and feel your pain regarding your Mom……….but you have accomplished so very much despite the sadness of that chapter. Hugs to you!!!!