You don’t often hear a person being proud of their divorced parents. Many times people don’t even mention this fact until they have to explain why they have two houses or why they can’t just call one number and reach both parents. Even though 50% of marriages lead to divorce, there is still a stigma against it. Divorce, no matter how normal, is a taboo.
So when you see that someone, especially a child of divorce, is happy about divorce, it seems odd. Although to those who know me and/or have read past articles, odd is expected.
My parents divorced when I was about 9 years old. Of course at that age I could of never imagined that anything good or happy could come out of it. I am proud to say that I was beyond wrong. Sometimes a situation that is life changing and painful can create good. Unfortunately, you can rarely see the good at the time or even directly after. Personally, it took me years to see the good in my parents’ divorce and the life lessons it taught me.
Just because people love each other doesn't mean that they are in love with each other. My parents found companionship in each other when they were young and they married. Only they know if they were in love at one point. What I do know is that something changed and staying in an unhappy marriage was not something they wanted to do. I am happy that they found out what was best for them and their family. Without their bravery to go against the norm, I wouldn’t have most of the family that I do.
Without the divorce of my parents I would never have the crazy family that I do. (Click here for more information about that) If my parents were still together they wouldn’t have found their loves. I would of never been a big sister. My parents wouldn’t be as close as they are now. They wouldn’t be as happy as they are now. We all wouldn’t be as happy as we are now. Of course, none of those things would’ve happened if my parents didn't strive to keep a positive relationship with each other and between us all.
While the divorce was happening, they promised that their parenting would never differ. They were a team. They were our parents. That has always been their first priority. By staying so positive with each other and by still working together to raise my sister and I, they realized that their relationship had changed. Rather than husband and wife, they were best friends. Ask either one of my parents who their best friend is and they will say each other. They may not be in love with each other, but there is no doubt that they love each other.
Mom and dad, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for doing what is best for your children always, even when it’s hard. Thank you for going against the norm and staying friends even though you didn’t stay married. Besides our crazy family, my favorite thing that came from your divorce is your friendship. From your example, I have learned what true friendship and loyalty is. I love you both.
It’s not easy to see the good and sometimes there isn’t any to see at all. However, in my experience, divorce isn’t always horrible. Sometimes it’s just a step to achieving true happiness.
