I am the youngest of three sisters, which has been difficult with divorced parents. The cultural expectations at my parents' houses are completely different. My mom has a strict curfew on weekends, while my dad does not question when I will be home. My mom has clothes, papers and food all over the house, while my dad’s counters are sparkling clean without a crumb in sight. My mom is social and loves to be busy, while my dad would rather stay home and read. My parents could not be more opposite. Switching between houses, I feel as if I am in two different worlds. However, over the years I have learned to adjust to a new way of living.
In high school I was expected to be at my dad’s house on Wednesday. The process of packing up my school books, binders, clothes, medicine and phone chargers is never easy. It is essential to keep myself organized. I always think how simple it would be to leave all my personal belongings at one house and not travel back and forth. However, because I was the only child that still lived at home, I felt pressure to visit my parents equally. When I arrive at my dad’s house after not seeing or talking to him for a couple of days, I usually have a long conversation with him. My dad is not much of a chef, so most of our dinners are pizza and Chinese takeout. During dinner, the television is always on the sports channel. We mostly eat dinner on the couch, and rarely will we eat at the kitchen table. After dinner, my dad does clean up. He loves spending hours dusting the counters and sweeping the floors, making sure the house is immaculate. While my dad cleans I am either doing homework or on the computer. My dad does not enforce many rules.
Every Sunday night I go to my mom’s house in Narberth. My mom loves to make a big family dinner to end the week. Unless I have too much homework, it is mandatory that I attend this meal. She invites my sisters, cousins and family friends. When I arrive Sunday night, I dress up for the occasion. Upon my arrival, my mom insists that I set the table and help prepare the food. Each Sunday the meal changes, but it is always a home-cooked meal with an assortment of meats and vegetables. Before anyone can eat, we must all be seated. We then all go around the table and say the rose and thorn of our week. My mom always tells me not to talk when someone else is talking, so I sit in silence until it is my turn. Once everyone is finished speaking, we eat the delicious meal and discuss a range of topics. Before I am asked to do so, I start clearing everyone’s plates and loading the dishwasher. Sunday dinners are a family tradition and I look forward to them because it is the one time when we can all be together.
Although my life changed immensely when my parents got divorced; I know that it was the right decision. As the youngest child in my family, I have the most pressure and responsibilities. I constantly have guilt hanging over my shoulders. My parents' values are completely opposite, but their cultural expectations have shaped me into a unique individual. I have been through a lot at an early age, and this has made me more sympathetic, kind and understanding toward others. Every hardship I have gone through has made me a stronger and better person.
