RAISED BY TWO STEPPARENTS

Yuki, aged 20, has not seen his father since he was five years old.  His mother later married Tomonori, but she died when Yuki was ten years old.  Five years later, after his stepfather Tomonori married Mihoko, Yuki found himself living with two stepparents.

Yuki: When my stepfather decided to remarry, I though, "I don't need a stepmother.  I've already had enough changes in my family."  I refused to accept the situation and treated her coldly.

Mihoko:  Even though my husband did not pressure me to love his stepson as he did, I resolve to try to build a relationship with Yuki.  We did our best to maintain his routine, including spiritual activities, recreation, and a meal each evening with conversation afterward.  I also understood him much  better after we talked ab0ut his losing his mother in death.

When I became pregnant, we were concerned about Yuki and wanted him to feel secure about his place in the family. We had Yuki feed and bathe the baby and change his diaper, and we commended Yuki in front of others for his help.  Little Itsuki is quite attached  to Yuki.  Before he learned the words for "papa" or "mom," he knew how to say niinii-big brother.

Yuki: As a stepchild,it is natural to feel alone and left out.  You can try to explain your situation to others, but they can't seem to understand. I am happy to say, though,that fellow Christians have been a true support. Now the wariness I felt toward my stepmother is gone.  She gives me good advice and I can speak to her from my heart.  

Next time:Why Commend Others?

The Watchtower, 2012