Wednesday, October 17, 2012
I've blogged before about 'being known by name.' How in today's seemingly impersonal world, a world where more often than not you're known by a number than by your name - how validating it is to be recognized and known by name.
Today was another example. Throughout my relationship with Ron and his kids - both while dating and since we've been married, I've felt almost invisible. Not in a bad way, but just kind of low-key, not trying to draw attention to myself as their stepmom. Just being there without drama. They have had enough drama in their life... Anyway, today while waiting to pick Matthew up from football practice, I noticed the tickets to Friday night's game against cross-town rival, Redlands East Valley (REV) were on sale... I had already mentioned to Ron that I wanted to get the tickets in advance and here was the perfect opportunity (and, I actually had cash in my wallet!). I was already parked in front of the ticket booth, so opening the windows and leaving Bon Jovi inside, I got out and purchased the two tickets for the game. Then got back into my car to continue waiting for Matthew.
A few minutes later a couple of other ladies came up to the window to buy tickets. One of them saw Bon Jovi and said, what a cute dog. Then she saw me in the car, and said, "you're Matthew Bennett's stepmom, right?" "yes." The other lady said, "Oh, and Aaron Bennett." "yes..." That was it. Just that quick exchange, they continued with their ticket purchase and I continued to wait. As I sat there, I thought about how surprised I was that they knew who I was...and how proud I was to be known as Matthew and Aaron Bennett's stepmom...
I've been identified as Ron's wife. As Rick and Michael's mom. As Bevan, Trevor, Julian and Dawson's grandma. And now as Matthew and Aaron's stepmom...known not by name, but by relationship, makes me feel very special...and no longer invisible.
I've blogged before about 'being known by name.' How in today's seemingly impersonal world, a world where more often than not you're known by a number than by your name - how validating it is to be recognized and known by name.
Today was another example. Throughout my relationship with Ron and his kids - both while dating and since we've been married, I've felt almost invisible. Not in a bad way, but just kind of low-key, not trying to draw attention to myself as their stepmom. Just being there without drama. They have had enough drama in their life... Anyway, today while waiting to pick Matthew up from football practice, I noticed the tickets to Friday night's game against cross-town rival, Redlands East Valley (REV) were on sale... I had already mentioned to Ron that I wanted to get the tickets in advance and here was the perfect opportunity (and, I actually had cash in my wallet!). I was already parked in front of the ticket booth, so opening the windows and leaving Bon Jovi inside, I got out and purchased the two tickets for the game. Then got back into my car to continue waiting for Matthew.
A few minutes later a couple of other ladies came up to the window to buy tickets. One of them saw Bon Jovi and said, what a cute dog. Then she saw me in the car, and said, "you're Matthew Bennett's stepmom, right?" "yes." The other lady said, "Oh, and Aaron Bennett." "yes..." That was it. Just that quick exchange, they continued with their ticket purchase and I continued to wait. As I sat there, I thought about how surprised I was that they knew who I was...and how proud I was to be known as Matthew and Aaron Bennett's stepmom...
I've been identified as Ron's wife. As Rick and Michael's mom. As Bevan, Trevor, Julian and Dawson's grandma. And now as Matthew and Aaron's stepmom...known not by name, but by relationship, makes me feel very special...and no longer invisible.
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