Some people used the word step... But I never could. It never fit my heart, Or what I felt was good. So I chose another word— The only one that fit... Bonus. Because loving you Never felt like less. It felt like more. Some people heard the word And thought it meant "not quite." A place that's somehow smaller, Standing just outside. But that's not why I chose it. Not even close to true... To me the word meant Heaven Had given me all of you. Bonus means More love than I expected. More laughter than I planned. More birthdays on the calendar. More little hands to hold. It never meant "replacement." It never meant "instead." It simply meant God smiled... And gave me more Than I'd ever dreamed ahead. I never came to take the place Of someone deeply loved. Her memory was a part of you— A gift sent from above. I simply hoped that someday If your hearts had room to see... I might become A bonus blessing... to your family. My picture wall grew overnight— From four to eight instead. My calendar held birthdays I was thankful Heaven led. Christmas lists grew longer, And so did all my prayers. My heart just kept on making room... Because love multiplies there. Bonus was never about what I needed. It was about what God gave A husband I never expected. Children I never dreamed I'd have. Grandchildren who filled my home With laughter, Stories, Music, Hugs, And joy. Love isn't pie. It isn't measured By smaller slices shared. The more it's given freely... The more there is to spare. Bonus means A gift from Heaven. A blessing unforeseen. A family that found each other Where no one planned to be. It never meant "less than." It never meant "not quite." So if you ever hear me say... "My bonus children." "My bonus grandchildren." I hope you'll hear What I always meant. Not step. Not second. Not almost. Just... One of the greatest blessings God ever gave me.
