It is crazy to think back on a time when my family was whole.

From immediate family to extended family, we always made memories that will be cherished forever.

Sitting here today, I am thinking about all the drastic changes that have occurred in my families lives.

Our holiday traditions used to consist of my dad, mom, brother, grandmother's, uncle's, aunt's, and cousins.

Now, they just consist of my mom, brother, and myself, and I would not have it any other way.

Throughout these years, my parents have divorced and the rest of my extended family have grown to show their true colors.

In reality, for me, my relationship with my dad and my extended family were never really that close.

I wanted so badly to have that relationship with all of my family members that all my friends seemed to have with their families.

I am not sure what the relationship between a dad and his daughter is like because I was and never will be a "Daddy's Girl."

Lately, I have come to realize that sometimes our lives are just better off without the constant tension and negative ways of people, even if it comes from family.

One thing I hate to explain is my reasoning for not associating with those people in my family anymore.

And you know what people tell me when I do explain, "It's your family, and they love you. You should reach out and try to work things out."

First off, I hate explaining "why" because it really is no one's business.

Secondly, my mom, brother, and I all tried so hard to make things work. However, when someone proves that they really do not care for you or love you, then why should we continue to put forth the effort knowing things won't change?

Yeah, we might sound like the most heartless people ever.

So with that said, thirdly, you do not know the full extent of the situation. You did not live under the same roof or deal with what we dealt with.

We cared so much to the point where it became so unhealthy. It was not fair.

That leaves me to say, you cannot help fix someone if they do not put forth the effort to fix themselves.

At the end of the day, the people who look at me differently for not speaking with my dad or other extended family members, don't.

I have my reasoning, and for you to sit there and question me is so unnecessary.

I appreciate your concern, but at this point, my mom, brother, and myself are so much better off.

Be happy for where we are now.

Don't let anyone make you feel guilty or tempt you to open up old wounds

At this point, there is no need for them to be re-opened.