I meet a boy named Brandon, who works in the gym that I go to every day. I was not looking for anything serious because I had just separated from my husband a year before. I never thought Brandon would become important to me or that he would meet my daughter, Raina, who was only 18 months old.
From the start, I told Brandon about my life, that I was facing the divorce, raising a baby alone, and staying with my parents to get back on my feet. He did not mind. I think neither of us expected our relationship to grow so much. When Raina and Brandon meet for the first time, I feel some connection between them. He played with her for hours, happily joining in with her toys and games. From that day, they both felt a strong connection between them, and their bond became more visible.
Soon, Brandon started visiting more often. He made every moment with Raina special. He played pretend games, pushed her little car, and danced with her. Raina began asking for “Bennin” every day, and Brandon was always there. He helped me plan a big SpongeBob birthday party when she turned two. Just two hours before the party, my ex-husband told his family not to come, and I got very upset. Brandon stayed with me and claimed me. He made the day by taking lots of pictures that we could remember that day.
When Brandon looked at Raina, you could see how much he loved her. By the time she was two, he was teaching her soccer, cheering for the Eagles, and helping her count. Their friendship grew stronger every day. Brandon would spend the night, and Raina was happy to wake up with him there.
He took her to doctor visits, soccer practice, walks, and the park. Having Brandon in our lives made everything more joyful and exciting.
He wanted to be a good father and wanted to give both of us a good and deserving life.
Raina’s dad was still in the picture, but not as much at first. He had to make changes to be more involved. Initially, he was not pleased with Brandon investing so much time with Raina.
Over time, though, we all agreed that having a stepparent is normal, and it is important to accept that.
Brandon has been a steady source of love and support for Raina and me for over three years.
Brandon has always been there for us through all the hard times like court, family problems and stress. He always celebrates our wins, my degree, races, jobs, and birthday. He cheers for everything that Diana does and helps with her hurt and sickness. He truly loves her. He is always there for us.
Brandon once worried about taking on so much responsibility so young, but soon those doubts disappeared.
Their relationship amazes me. Sometimes, I feel like a third wheel because they are so close. Raina looks for him when he leaves, calls him at work, and runs to him with big hugs.
When Brandon asked me for the marriage, he also purposed my daughter on July 4th, 2017. He promised to be her dad forever. He gave her a diamond necklace, and she happily accepted, even asking, “Where is my ring?”
We planned our wedding for June 9, 2018. Raina was so excited and thought the wedding was hers. On the big day, Brandon surprised her with a ring and promised to always be her dad. She hugged him with all her little force, and her tears show her true love for him.
That moment showed me how lucky I am to have Brandon in our lives. Their connection is filled with affection and camaraderie.
Brandon stepped up without hesitation and gave Raina the stability and love she needed. He showed me what true love really means: no anger, no sadness, just family. Our story has its struggles, but it is full of love, and that is all I ever wanted.
