When I was two years old, my parents got divorced. Usually, when people hear that your parents are divorced, the automatic response is “I am so sorry.” My response to these people regarding the circumstance I was put into is always: “I’m not". Due to my parent’s divorce, what I have learned over the past 18 years is that blood does not make a family. Honestly? I can confidently say that my parent’s divorce was one of the BEST things to have ever happened to me.

Around the time when I was 3 or 4-years-old, my step-dad joined my family. Since then, I have regarded him as one of the most influential people in my life. Although he and I have definitely had our ups and downs (just as most parents and their children do) I could not be more thankful to have such an amazing person in my life. My step-dad has taught me so much when life, love, and friendships. He has taught me how to enjoy life and the time I have here. He has taught me to make amends with those who have previously hurt me. Additionally, he has taught me the importance of receiving a good education, the importance of attending church, and what it means to be a true Christian.

Even though my stepdad might not consider the importance of the little things he does for me, I truly am grateful for everything he does. It's just the little things he does for me that make me so feel so lucky to have him in my life. He never speaks negatively of my biological father. Even though this small gesture might not seem like much to him, I have constantly appreciated it. Another gesture I have greatly appreciated is his avoidance of calling me his step-daughter. Rather, he refers to me as his daughter. I have and always will be his daughter. All in all, my step-dad has taught me blood does not always compose a family. Most importantly, he has taught me that the love in one’s heart is what truly establishes a family.