Raising children whose parent has died.
“One of the best things you can do for a child whose parent has died
is to let them grieve and heal on their own terms.”
L.J. Lowell
Not Quite Moms
“Not quite moms” are moms in every way except biologically, sort of. They are the only mom present—there are no shared custody plans and no weekends off. They are full-time parents, but not “mom” because mom died.
No one can replace “mom,” and “not quite moms” don’t want to replace her. However, “not quite moms” are expected to do all and be all like “mom” while simultaneously being reminded every day that they are not “mom” and will never be “mom.”
I am a “not quite mom” who lives in a small community that reminds me that I am not a “real mom.” This blog is anonymous because women like us have unique challenges of raising children as if they are our biological children while being reminded that they are not - anonymity is a tool used here for honest dialogue. We face a level of scrutiny that biological mothers do not. It’s frustrating. It’s challenging. But it’s also rewarding.