My life today with such a large and multicultural family is truly beautiful – I wouldn't have it any other way – but getting to this point took time.
I was 15 when my dad first told me he had found a Vietnamese lady named Thao (or Isabelle, as she is mostly known) online.
Being a high school student at the time, and entering many new experiences in my own life, I didn't give it too much thought.
As time went on, though, my dad would often speak of this woman, going back to the initial picture he had seen of her. He vaguely mentioned to me that he had started some communication with her over the internet. Having only ever seen my dad as a single parent, this was surprising information.
Melody says her dad's life has changed for the better since he met and married Isabelle. Photo: Supplied Source: Supplied
As time went on, he explained to the family that he was going to travel to Ho Chi Minh City and meet this woman. The news eventually was sent back to Australia that they had married.
Even though this was a shock to me at the time (as I knew very little about Isabelle), I supported my dad. As his only daughter, I felt I had to, and I knew he valued my opinion a lot.
Between meeting Isabelle on an afternoon after school and now being 19 and having her as my stepmum, so much has changed – in me, in her, and in my dad. As I have grown and watched my dad and Isabelle together, I have seen the change in his personality.
Descriptions such as 'mail-order bride' absolutely kill me – they suggest there’s no emotion in Isabelle and my dad's relationship.
My dad suffers from anxiety, but I have seen his temperament and feelings towards himself and our family change for the better. Isabelle cares so much for him. She has created a true partnership with him.
Looking back now, I can see that my Dad used to be very lonely. I could not be more happy for him and his life today.
Isabelle is truly the definition of a stepmother. She has taken a genuine interest in me and my brothers, and in being a part of our life. She is such a clever lady, making me stage costumes and clothes. We shared excitement when I told her I would love for her to make my wedding dress one day!
Isabelle works hard on her English in order to bridge the language barrier, just as my Dad studies his Vietnamese.
Descriptions such as 'mail-order bride' absolutely kill me – they suggest there’s no emotion in Isabelle and my dad's relationship.
The only way I see Isabelle today is as a woman who brings my dad happiness and – most of all – as my stepmum.
Isabelle is truly a part of the Hoptman family. I feel like my dad is a better man with her. I know he cares for her, and she for him.
