Who are you?

The typical fill in the blank Family Tree does NOT work for my family.  For a Cordova family tree I'd have to start from scratch and build my own.  Here's why:

I was raised by my Father from the time I was 9 months old.  My Mom was a part of my life, but my Dad had custody of my brother and I.  We visited our Mom on some weekends and spent some holidays with her. As we grew older we went to her house less and less due both to the 1 1/2 hour drive from our home and preferring to spend time with friends/doing our own activities.

When I was about 8 years old my Dad met the woman who would become my step-mom.  She has a daughter that I consider my sister.  My Dad and step-mom were together for a very long time but have now been separated for a couple years.

My older kids are at the age where they are trying to fit everyone in the mold.  We have had many discussions  regarding who people are and how they fit in the family.  My 6 year old daughter is especially interested in whose "belly I grew in".  She has come to understand that I grew in Gradma Sandi's belly and that Grandma Sheri came into my life when I was older and helped raise me.  She knows that Uncle Merle also grew in Grandma Sandi's belly, but that Auntie Stef grew in Grandma Sheri's.

I think they now have a pretty clear idea of how we all fit together.  I am always sure to remind them that I know our family is big, and sometimes it can be confusing to keep straight, but all they really need to remember is that everyone loves them.

So long as they never call a Grandma by the wrong name I think we'll be okay.

A controlling mother, a missing daughter, and a family who is 

desperate for love. This post was inspired by the the psychological thriller Mother, Mother by Koren Zailckas. Join From Left to Write on September 19 as we discuss Mother, Mother.  As a member, I received a free copy of the book for review purposes.