My Mom passed away at the age of 44 (my Dad was 48 at the time) from lung cancer. My Dad was devastated. They were childhood sweethearts and married very young. They had been married over 25 years. He hated being alone. 4 months after she died, my Dad met a woman with a 9 year old daughter and 2 other grown daughters. They were together a total of 23 years (lived together 8 years, married 15). My stepmother and I "tolerated" each other. She took good care of my Dad and vice versa. For that I was greatful. When she died, my Dad always said, "I had two wonderful women in my life who I loved with all my heart, your Mom and Barbie."

Barbie never tried to take my Mom's place. I'm glad she was in my father's life. If she hadn't come along, my father would've died of a broken heart.