As many people may be able to relate, I grew up with parents who divorced when I was at a young age.

I was about four years old living on Vanderslice street here in Phoenixville. Shortly after my parents separated, my wonderful, beautiful mother got custody of us. Being so young, I did not understand why my dad did not live with us anymore, and it was heartbreaking as a kid. It's still hard to think about to this day. But sometimes life has different plans for people, so there is no one to blame here.

After the divorce, I'd never want to be dropped off at home after seeing my dad -- I just wanted him to come home with us.

However, with my mom and dad, we'd still have fun times even though we weren't all together. My parents did their best to please us and treat us, and they did a great job. They worked out times so they got to see us pretty equally on a weekly basis.

My dad did not live too far either, so that definitely helped ease the situation. They both eventually found another person to be with and to make them happy. As a kid, it opened up a world to a new family on both halves -- in other words, an extended family.

With my mom and her boyfriend, we would go on camping trips in the summer time. Then with my dad, his girlfriend and her kids, we'd all go camping or take beach trips. My brothers and sister all made plenty of memories throughout those years, and they're definitely memories I would never get rid of.

Although deep down I just wanted my parents to be together, I understand now that it just doesn't work that way sometimes.

I'm here to say that is, in fact, okay. So I know I am not the only one who has had their parents go through this, and I am sure many do not like the fact that they separated, but I promise you, life goes on. You learn to cherish any moment you get with either parent. It's still a great feeling to look back on the times you do remember with them together.

I'm sure I could go on for a while with this subject, but I'll keep it short and to the point. Love your family, even your extended family. They are just more people to always be there when life throws obstacles at you.