Autumn is an exciting time of year when children return to school. It is fun to renew friendships and to begin another year of learning and growing. Sometimes learning and growing present a bit of a challenge. That is true whether you are 6, 36, or 76 because learning is a lifetime pursuit.

            Some people actively pursue learning. Others consider themselves casual learners. Yet everyone experiences learning through everyday life. Personal experiences often present the greatest challenges and the greatest opportunities for personal growth. The most powerful teachers most often experienced heartache, sadness, success, and joy by wading through whatever life threw at them—death of a loved one, a debilitating injury, divorce, remarriage, or abuse, among others. These teachers readily admit that life is not necessarily easy; however, the resultant achievement, success, growth, joy are worth the effort to forge ahead. Then they share what they have learned to encourage and empower others in their journey.

            Whether you are an adult child or a remarried parent in a blended family of later life remarriage, perhaps you experienced or continue to experience challenges in your relationships. What can you do about your situation? Become a student again. Seek to understand how your parent or child feels. Ask questions. Talk to others in adult stepfamilies who have developed loving relationships. Study and read books on the topic. Act in positive ways on the knowledge you gain.

Terri P. Smith, author, When Your Parent Remarries Late in Life. (To order your copy from www.amazon.com, simply click the book image on the right of the screen.)