Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Just Desserts


--by mermangel, posted Nov 30, 2008

This might not seem like such a big deal to someone who doesn't know me or my "story", but for my husband and I and our family it is huge.

After nearly ten years of ongoing emotional battles with my husband's ex-wife, we had determined over the last year that we were finished and ready to move on.  Over the past year, in most instances we have simply made concessions to her and my step-son regarding visitation changes and the like, to promote harmony and to stay focused on the positive as we try to raise our two biological children as well.   

Although this was "our" year to have my step-son for Thanksgiving his mother asked if he could come to her mother's home to have dessert after finishing his meal with our family.  After asking him if it was what he desired, my husband agreed to this.  Although it is not typical for him to "share" the holidays between families it was what he wanted and we were supportive of this. 

So, when his mother came to pick him up, my husband handed him a large platter of brownies to share with his mother's family for Thanksgiving dessert.  We could sense that he was slightly taken aback as he said "Wow, that was nice," knowing full well the animosity that had existed between his parents for as long as he could remember (at 15). 

As we was leaving, his father said to him, "In the spirit of the season of giving and thanks we wanted to share something with them."  I have no delusions that this will herald some landmark change in his mother's seemingly unchanging position of opposition, but it certainly felt good to see this previously "in the middle" kid feel good for once about the effort that his father was putting forth to make peace.

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Readers Comments

wayfarer wrote: There's no better way to beat your enemies than to make them your friends, and even if it isn't always possible you are setting an amazing example by trying!
jules wrote: It's the thought that counts, and that was a kind thought :-)
jules wrote: "Ten years of ongoing emotional battling" doesn't sound like much fun, so you might like this quote! "You can never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete."
Buckminister Fuller

Good luck x
lovbitz1290 wrote: wow this is a great story my mom and dad arent together any more and i know how it fells to have to chose between parents its hard but you do what you have to do im only 12 and ive fighred this out all ready
lmil1954 wrote: You and your husband set a wonderful example for your child. God Bless you!
sweetp wrote: Wow. I do feel like you made it easier for your son that day. Its good that you put his needs first and made it safe for him to say where he wanted to be. It is evident the great love you have for each other. I wish you all the best.
megumi wrote: Wow! This is a great story. We must first be willing to change if we want the situation to change. Taking that first step is always the hardest but you may well be supprised by the out come. May the God of ALL peace be with you daily.
JuneBug wrote: That was a very MATURE gesture on your husband's part. We can all become angry with our ex's and fight like children...Love conquers all. He did what Jesus would have done!
sarahelizabeth wrote: That is wonderful--my husband and i have to deal with two ex's, his and mine, and we both have children from previous marriages so i know how hard it can be! It is so great when you can let go and be the bigger person. Not to mention how great that must have made your stepson feel! Kudos!
warmth wrote: Wow, i am sure ur husband's kind act will def help your son bridge the gap between two sets of parents. Thank u for sharing :)

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