Ovations
Rochelle Grayson
Aaje's Stepmom aka Jamie's "baby mama"
The most important responsibility as parents is ensuring that we create and maintain a nurturing and loving environment for our children. What I have always admired about Jamie is her passion and love for not just her children but all children. She has a nurturing soul. Jamie’s desire to assist families in becoming blended doesn’t surprise me at all. Jamie has an innate ability and strength that allows her to overcome obstacles that may hinder any happiness for her family. Family is an essential part of her being. I’m confident that she will seamlessly succeed with her mission in bringing families together. Jamie and I have come a long way. We started out as two women who were brought together through deceit, oblivious of one another, allowing emotions to get the best of us as well as people in our circles adding fuel to the fire, many of which perpetuated the disconnect of our families. As time passed, we harmoniously blended our families. Jamie and I have built a respectful and genuine relationship that allows us to communicate not only
Jamie and I are forever bonded through the love that we share for her son, which is my stepson. That love became a common ground and we used that as a tool to do what’s best for our families. Another important aspect of blended families is the child not being disconnected from their siblings as a result of the families not getting along. Our children will grow up knowing that it is possible to blend two families to make one, creating more love, more support, and more family. I am extremely proud of her for her perseverance and drive to do what she loves. I have no doubt that she will help families all around the world.
Akeda W.
Stone Mountain, GA
As my best friend for over 20 years Jamie has seen me navigate through single parenthood from step one. Always letting me know when I was right in my anger and when I was allowing my personal feelings to interfere with co-parenting, and when it was time to start over helping me to maneuver through setting the tone for the new person in my life and how that played into my blended situation. My life is now and will forever be blended and I’m so glad to have her in my corner for advice and support. She has never been the “yes” friend and I love and respect her for that. Watching Jamie deal with her own blended situation successfully, brings so much joy and pride because she deserves all the happiness in the world.
Jamie, keep pushing for greatness my sister, your star is shining brighter than ever! Thank you for having the courage to share your story, so that others can heal and grow.
Stephanie D.
Bronx, NY
I was in a relationship that I thought was going somewhere with someone that I was friends with first. Don’t get me wrong, we had our own issues in the relationship, but our biggest issue was my daughter, who was 18 at the time. At first, they got along very well, but one day my daughter disrespected me and my boyfriend came to my defense and told her that she shouldn’t speak to me that way because I was her mother. She became angry and told him to shut up and mind his business. From that moment on, their relationship began to sour. As her mom, and his girlfriend, I was always caught between them which made me the “bad mom” in her eyes and “allowing her to run all over me,” in his eyes. How could I win in this situation? Do I choose sides? I felt like I was caught between a rock and a hard place.
I contacted Jamie for some advice on the matter. She gave very constructive and objective advice. She pointed out how each of us could have handled the situation differently. She spoke to us individually to get all sides and was further able to assess why my daughter was lashing out and what my next steps should be. Although the advice was good, I did not listen because I didn’t want my daughter to resent me or him to be upset with me. I try to please everyone! My family always says that I am too nice and let my daughter have too much say in what and who I have in my life. In the end, I asked my boyfriend to leave. The break up with him was very bad and I was left angry, alone and missing my friend. I wish I had taken the advice that Jamie was offering for my blended situation.
Patreese F.
New York, NY
It feels like I’m about to write a novel cause I have learned so much from Jamie by her having a blended family and watching her grow up from a young single mother to a married woman!
Right before Jamie got married she made big changes in her life for the better. Jamie taught me patience and that people should not just think about their own feelings, but also their kids and spouse’s feelings. Especially after what she went through with her ex-fiancé.
I always thought it was my job as your Big Sister to teach you the ropes but it just goes to show us, because I’m older than you, it doesn’t mean I’m wiser. And for that, I commend you and appreciate you very much. Love you very much and keep doing what you’re doing cause it’s working!
Connie Q.P.
Middletown, NY
As my friend, Jamie has helped me with my blended family in many ways. The close relationship that Jamie and my daughter shared was always helpful when my husband and daughter would bump heads. I could always go to Jamie for advice on how to handle certain situations and she was always fair and objective even when it wasn’t what I wanted to hear.
Jamie, when I’m having issues with my blended family, I know I can always go to you for good advice and because you can relate.
