Dear Parenting Manual Company, I have not yet recieved....

It was a long weekend. I could lie to you and say that it was a great opportunity to learn and grow for Vern and I... but that'd be a load of crap. It all started when we were jerked out of sleep by a late night phone call.Vern's son got arrested for drinking beer and charged with an MIP (minor in possession). Soo we got to visit the local jail at 12:30 Saturday morning.This was a first for both of us. Trevor isn't perfect but for the most part he's a pretty good kid.I really didn't say much..or do much. I just stood out side the police station. It was strange..feeling like my days of hiding in the woods and drinking with my friends wasn't that long ago yet all of a sudden there I was-the "parent" at the police station feeling a flood of angry,hurt, and disappointed awkwardness.I watched as Vern lectured him in front of the police as his Mother sat outside on the front steps and cried.We returned him to his apartment and his hysterical mother, so she could have her turn lecturing him too. I guess that's something he should have thought of before he got in trouble "If I get caught, I get in trouble at 2 houses." That boy swears he's going to change his ways,he hated jail and admitted he cried like a baby sitting in that jail cell all alone. One can only hope he means it and that he learned a hard lesson.Hmm,I wonder what chapter this is covered in the Step Mom Manual?You know,the same manuals you Mom's get when you have kids so you always know what to do...right?...No? Just kidding :p If I can only share ONE thing with any other Step Moms out there-always support your loved one as a parent first. Being a parent is a tough enough job,even harder than being a Step parent and biting your tongue,so if you cannot support or advise in a helpful way..just don't say anything at all.Let the parents be parents and remember .....they didn't get "The Manual" either  :)
PS.
I won't complain,the next day he sure did a great job weeding around our yard!