My dad has been married to Margaret since I was 15, so 31 years. I still refer to her as my Dad’s wife. If people say “your parents”, I say “my Dad”. Margaret and I have had a lot of issues. Not because she was married to my Dad, but because of the way she treated me, and the way my Dad treated me (which is on him). I just wanted my Dad to be happy. My parents weren’t getting back together, thank God. I would be more angry if my parents got back together at that point.

Anyway, Margaret was threatened by my Dad and I’d relationship. Saw me, his daughter, as competition. I am a say it how it is person, and she didn’t like the fact that I had my own thoughts and opinions. She expected me to be like my brother and sister, both older. My sister hates conflict so she fakes it ‘til she makes it. My brother is the biggest kiss ass and Margaret loves males in general.

Margaret and I have gotten past all of that crap. Life’s too short to hold grudges. But she will always be my Dads wife. I have always felt it would be disrespectful to my mom, when she was alive and now that she’s passed.