What happens when cancer forces a divorced couple to rediscover what truly matters? In this candid conversation about blended families, we explore the surprising bonds that formed after our daughter's leukemia diagnosis transformed our fractured family into something stronger and more beautiful than we could have imagined.
Five years after her final treatment, we celebrate our daughter being officially considered a cancer survivor—a milestone that has us reflecting on our unconventional family dynamic. Jams shares how she's come to love her ex-husband's new children so deeply that she'd "fight for those kids" if anything happened to their parents. Meanwhile, Amanda describes her initial discomfort watching her ex build relationships with her children, and how that evolved into gratitude for the extended support system.
The episode takes a heartwarming turn as we discuss Isabelle's preschool graduation, where her first question was whether "Aunt Jams" would be attending. These moments reveal how children thrive when surrounded by adults who put aside differences to create a loving environment. Through recreating old hospital photos and supporting each other at family events, we've crafted a family structure that defies traditional post-divorce narratives.
We don't shy away from the awkward beginnings—the jealousy, uncertainty, and gradual building of trust that made our current relationship possible. But we also celebrate how this approach has influenced our extended family, with grandparents embracing former in-laws and maintaining relationships that typically end with divorce.
Whether you're navigating your own blended family challenges or simply curious about alternative approaches to co-parenting after divorce, this episode offers both practical insights and emotional resonance. Because sometimes the most beautiful families aren't forged by convention, but by choosing love and connection even when it's complicated.
Catch new episodes of My Wife, My Ex-Wife, and Me and review past episodes on the Kokomo Lantern Podcast Network.