Most of the time when you think of a step parent you immediately think of Cinderella and her evil stepmother. You think of some mean person your parent has married and all they’re going to do is make you wash the dishes and clean the floors. But I can assure you that that is not always the case.

See also: Hard Times Work Out For The Better

Well, at least not in my situation.

Many people think that divorce only results in bad things and will only destroy your family in the end. While I definitely wouldn’t go around promoting divorce and encouraging it, I will say that it will not just “separate” your family but it will make it stronger.

Because of it, I’ve gotten to add some pretty cool people into my life that I now don’t know what life would be like without them.

While at first it was hard for me to open up to my step parents and it was hard for me to realize that I had to listen and obey their rules just like my own parents, I soon began to realize how much they care for me. It all soon began to unfold and each puzzle piece began to fall into place.

Sometimes when I think about it and really think about the definition of having a stepparent, it really is a great representation and great preparation for life.

Sometimes things don’t work out, the good and the bad. And all types of people come and go in our life.

But just because one thing doesn’t work out, doesn’t mean that your life is over nor does it mean that you can’t start over.

With that being said, having step parents has made me realize so many things about myself as a person and also my family.

They have made me understand the definition of love and realize how great a person can be to love someone else’s child as their own. Not only that but they made the choice to do so.

I couldn’t thank them enough for the love and support they give me and my sisters.

From coming to my soccer games, banquets, and many other things I love knowing that they are always there for me no matter what. And I mean you can’t lie, it’s pretty cool having a whole fan club in the audience that only came for you. Who’s to say 4 isn’t better than 2? ;)

There are plenty of advantages that come along with having stepparents and blended families, and not the type of reasons you would think, like getting more for Christmas or your birthday. Mostly because you have more laughter, smiles, and love in your family. It’s because of that that I wouldn’t trade my step parents for anyone else! I’m so glad God picked them to be apart of my family!