Many people have an image of what the perfect family is supposed to look like. This includes having a loving mother who will always be there, a hard working father, siblings who fight sometimes, and possibly even family pets. I had this image of what a family is supposed to look like ingrained in my head. When I was little, I did not stop to think about the future, for I was too young to realize what was going on. One day however, I had to grow up and rather quickly too. I was in fourth grade when my parents filed for divorce. I can vividly remember leaving my dad’s house to go live at my grandmother’s home with my mom and two sisters. I was so lost, and I continuously asked myself, “Why did this have to happen to my family? What happened to cause this? What did I do wrong?” I blamed myself for the divorce, and sometimes I still do. I stayed with my mom for a few years; bouncing from house to house and even living in a car for a little bit. Those years were very tough for my sisters and me. My mom went through some rough times also, and she and I disagreed and quarreled often. My mom got into trouble with the police a few times, causing my dad to fight for custody of us children. My older sister did not want to live with my dad, and so my little sister and I moved in with my dad in the year of 2009; and we have been with him ever since. He is really supportive and plays the role of father and mother, a difficult task yet nevertheless appreciated. I do not know what I would do without my dad. He has been there for my sister and I since the beginning and provides us with everything that our hearts desire. He never wants us to feel left out because we do not have a mother in our life. Although he knows it is difficult on my little sister and myself, he tries his hardest to make sure that we are well cared for.

As I look back at my life and see how things played out with the split of my family, I have realized that there are positive aspects as well. The absence of my mother has made me the woman I am today. Living with my father and being the oldest sibling in the household, I learned responsibility and accountability at a young age. I have learned to care not only for myself, but for my sister as well. I strive to be the best that I can be every single day, and it has helped me to become a stronger person.

I am at college now, and being here has made me appreciate everything that my family and close friends have done for me. I have learned from my little sister how to trust in people. I have learned in my father how to be mature and know right from wrong. I have learned from neighbors how to love people even though they are family. It is reassuring how loved I really am, even though my family is split. I have taught myself how to appreciate what you have and to not look back and wish you have more. I am content in with who and what I have in my life.... Are you?