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I’ve often felt that “step-parent” is a label(标签)we attach(贴)to men and women who marry into families where children already exist．At least that’s how I used to 1 about being a stepmother to my husband’s four children．
My husband and I had been together for six years, and with him I had 2 as his young children became young teenagers． 3 they lived mainly with their mother, they spent a lot of time with us as well．However, I 4 to feel somewhat like an outsider．
When the children moved to a town five hours away, we contacted Cyberspace(网络公司)and set up an e-mail in order to maintain 5 communication with the kids．
Ironically(令人啼笑皆非的是), these 6 tools of communication can also make us feel out of 7 ．If a computer message came addressed to “Dad”, I’d feel 8 and neglected(忽视)．If my name appeared along with his, it would 9 my day and make me feel like I was part of their family unit 10 ．
Late one evening, as my husband watched TV and I was catching up on my 11 , an “instant message” appeared on the screen．It was Margo, my oldest step-daughter．As we had done in the past, we sent several 12 back and forth, exchanging the latest news．When we would “chat” like that, she wouldn’t necessarily 13 if it was me or her dad on the other end of the keyboard 14 she asked．That night she didn’t ask．After hearing the latest volleyball scores, the details about an upcoming dance at her school, I suggested that it was late and I should get to 15 ．Her message read, “Okay, talk to you later! Love you!”
As I read this message, a wave of 16 ran through me and I realized that she must have thought she was writing to her 17 the whole time．I simply answered, “Love you too! Have a good sleep!”
I thought 18 of their family circle, that self-contained, private space where I was an outsider．I felt again the sharp ache of emptiness．Then just as my fingers reached for the keys, just as I was about to return the screen to black, Margo’s 19 message appeared．It read, “Tell Dad good night for me too．” With 20 eyes, I turned the machine off．
