Step-parenting is a hard job and not meant for the faint of heart. Add special needs to the mix and the work to love unonditionally is never over.

I have been step-parenting for almost 9 years to my daughter who is half black and has Down syndrome. So, if I’m being honest, becoming Ciena’s mom is one of the hardest things I have ever done – or at least, it’s in the top two. You see, my relationship with her has been strenuous, turbulent, indifferent and hard. There also have been moments of love, compassion and joy. Unfortunately, those moments are few and far between. The hard times of step-parenting seem to stick with me the most. I am beginning a journey called The Love Dare For ...

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