Being only 16 finding a moment that has really defined me was a challenge. Sure there's probably little things that have made me who I am and have helped shape me, but I wouldn't say any have seriously affected me. But living in a world where i'm almost 100% positive everyone knows someone who has divorced parents made me realize having my parents still together has had an effect on me. I'm more than grateful to have parents who are still happily married after 17 years and know that that won't be changing ever. Think it's kind of a weird defining moment? I guess it's not really one moment, it's an ongoing lifetime thing. I get to spend every birthday,christmas, holiday, important moment with both of my parents. From kindergarten graduation to grade 8 grad my parents have attended both together and looking back on it being able to see them there was an experience i've realized not every child has or will have. I don't have a court order stating what parent, I'm with on what day or even what parent I can or can't see. I'm able to call my mom or dad anytime, spend whenever I want with them for as long as I want. I don't have to be involved in the divorce process or pick one parent over the other.
My parents are incredibly loving and supportive towards every choice I make, both good and bad. Divorce hits people of all ages hard, seeing friends wish they had parents that were still together is what really makes me thankful. I've seen my parents work through multiple problems and come out stronger from them, there not always going to see eye to eye, but it has taught me you can overcome anything with time and patience. My family has dinner together at an actual kitchen table almost every single night of the week, i've learnt that's pretty rare these days. Which seems weird to me because it's been that way all 16 years of my life and I find it hard to believe some people don't have it that way. I've become a stronger person through my parents, I get to come home every day and see them both there, the first thing they ask is "how was your day?" They genuinely care and having that positive vibe in my family has made me look at things positively as well. I've learnt how to be independent and to never depend on others through how they seem to be protective and strict. With the rules and guidelines they've provided through their own life experiences i've been able to make better choices and to keep my head up. I've gotten double the support and love 24/7 and can't see a day in the future where that will ever end.
I'm glad that you have had such loving parents as role models for you. I am also fortunate like you, as that my parents are still happily married after 35 years.
ReplyDeleteOn the flip side, people often view divorce as a negative event in one's life, but I think that divorce can be healthy. It is often said that it is better for children to have happy parents who are divorced and sad and/or angry parents to stay together for whatever reason.