" The Other Woman "

I never realized what the other woman goes through until I was her. I know I owe Tammy an apology. I always took my hurt and anger out on her. I realize now it was not her fault. Darryl was the one who hurt me and my children. I now know that if Darryl wanted to support our children and be in their life he would have. I know the few visits that he did have Tammy was there to help with the children. When I first got with my husband,Richard his ex did not think I was good enough for him. Even though she messed around on him. She told him I was no good because I was on welfare and had 4 children by 2 different fathers. I later found out that Darryl got treated by Tammy the way he treated me. I realize that we don't stop and think before we say things especially when we are angry. I know that I made a lot of mistakes and bad choices but I have learned from them as well. There is never any easy way to handle the things that arise when parents don't stay together. My daughter Jennifer always wanted her father and I to be together. But you can't make someone love you. Now that she is an adult I just hope she understands. I always was honest with my children and told them who their father was. But at the same time they learned that Richard was the one who was there for them and that is what being a father really is. I do know that you have to be strong to be a step parent. You have to really love the person that you are with for it to work. I am not proud of myself for showing so much anger and hurt and pain towards Tammy but I can't change what has already happened only learn from it and share it with others. I do hope my experiences can help other young women who are going through the same issues.

Story ID:	2005
Written by:	Veronica Elizabeth Foust (bio, contact, other stories)
Story type:	Story
Writers Conference:	$100 Best Inspirational Post Contest
Location:	Tampa Florida USA
Year:	1983
Person:	Veronica