When most people think of family, they think of the stereotypical mom and dad and two kids picture. For me, that wasn't the case. My mom and dad divorced when I was very little, so I never got to experience that "normal" family lifestyle. Lucky for me, my mom remarried and I ended up having 3 parents at once. I thought that was one of the coolest things in the world until that world began crashing down. As of now, I'm down to only 1 parent, but it's not as bad as you think.

Sure, it would be nice to have three people behind you to support you through every decision you make, but all you really need is one person to push you through life to be the best you could be. My dad is the only parent I have left, but he provides me with everything I need and more. He does more for me himself than him, my mom, and my stepdad could ever do for me. I am so thankful he reconnected with me after years of him being away and made himself a part of my life.

My mom on the other hand fell out of my life a while ago, but it worked out for the best. If you have a good relationship with your mom, you're extremely lucky. My mother couldn't give up her addictions long enough to support her kids and give us the life we deserved. It's hard not having a mom, but it truly is for the better. My sister and I are stronger and better without her.

My mom and my stepdad divorced a while ago, but he still remained in our lives to help us as much as we could until recently. He chose my mother's side over us, and completely shut my sister and I out of his life for good. This didn't really bother us considering the fact we already have one dad that was more than enough for us.

You don't get to pick and choose your family, which at times can really be a bummer. Thankfully, you have at least one parent to care and provide for you in ways no one else could compare to. My dad is the best parent and the only parent I will ever need, and for him I am so grateful.