Everyone handles the divorce of their parents differently. Everyone has different situations they face. Everyone fights their own battle that no one knows about, but there are certainly a lot of stereotypes towards children living with divorced parents. Now this, I know every child of divorced parents has dealt with.
"I'm so sorry, I can't even imagine what you had to go through." "So do your mom and dad fight like a lot?" "Which parent do you prefer to be with?" "Wait, so how do you know which parent you're with for the holiday?" We've all heard it. Quite frankly, I understand the curiosity or the pity others may feel towards someone with divorced parents. On the other hand, though, every situation concerning divorce is different. Whether it be more severe or less severe, more dramatic or less dramatic or more of a sensitive topic than others have to deal with, we all face it differently.
It's pretty easy to let the divorce of your mom and dad tear your whole world apart. I mean they are the two people that brought you into this world-- how could they not be together? I thought so, too. However, there are quite a lot of unspoken aspects of divorce that really are a blessing in disguise.
Two amazing people brought me into this world. I am who I am because of both of them. They worked together as a team to raise me to be the best I could be. I could never hold resentment towards them for that. They love me with every ounce they have in them, they hold me up when I feel like my world is crumbling down, they always know the right thing to say no matter the situation. They are my rock. They always have been and they always will be.
I could very easily dwell on the fact that I don't live under the same roof with both of my parents, but from the moment they split, I have been reminded that it is not the end of the world. Sure, I may not be able to see both of them everyday. I may not be able to hug them both goodnight before I go to bed or see them both right when my eyes open in the morning, but whether I am at my mom's house or my dad's house, I am given unconditional love. My relationship with each of them has grown tremendously. I believe this is because I get some time with each of them. Just me and my mom or just me and my dad. I have grown in so many different aspects and learned so many life lessons as I walk through life with both my mom and dad, whether they are together or not.
Mom, you have taught me about love, and generosity, and forgiveness, and independence and how far hard work will get you. You were like my training wheels while growing up, teaching me how to be strong and successful, while still letting me live and learn. I can finally say my training wheels are off, and you have shaped me into someone I'm proud to be. You are what I hope to be one day. You are the strongest woman I know and I am truly grateful to have you to walk this life with and face my battles with.
Dad, you have taught me how I can do literally anything I put my mind to, and that a strong mind will only get you so far unless you also have a big heart, and that success is earned not given and that life may not come easy, but I have all the strength in the world to get through anything. You've been an open ear and a shoulder to cry on when I have no idea where to go next. Your experiences and your own battles have given you the power to show me that the pages keep turning and there is always a new day. I am strong because of the hand you support me with unconditionally.
You both, even though we all are not in the same house, have taught me more than I can even fathom. You have given me endless support and overwhelming love and open-arms.
There are many stereotypes towards divorced families, but most commonly spoken about are solely the negative ones. So I am here to say I am a child of divorced parents and I have been absolutely blessed with two incredible parents that I will cherish forever whether they are together or not. I have grown, learned and been loved more than I ever knew possible.
So Mom and Dad, y'all rock and I love you.
