I wouldn't know about a mother. She died of cancer when I was 9 years old and have only a dim memory of her being very sick.

But I can confirm everything evil ever said about stepmothers. She kept the house clean, she cooked the meals, no complaints there, but every spare time she had from that she used to make life hell for my brother and me.

In contrast later she welcomed my Filipina wife and was friendly with my children, as far as she was capable.