The Divorce

In 1997, when I was two years old, my parents got divorced. I didn't understand what was happening or what it meant; all I knew was that my dad was moving out for good. Growing up in a divorced family was tough - always moving around, different rules, constant fights. It meant that I had to grow up a lot faster than most "normal" children. It also meant that I was going to have to be more mature.

I learned to be reasonable and sensible.
I leaned to be strong, emotionally and mentally.
I learned to fight for what I wanted, but that there was a time for compromise as well.
I learned to forgive, but never forget.
I learned to make my own fun and not depend on others.
I learned to become wittier, even smarter.
I learned to be optimistic.
I learned to be a problem solver.
I learned that if you didn't have bad days, then you would never be able to appreciate the good ones.
I learned to take each day one at a time; else you'll become too overwhelmed.
I learned that's some things are out of your control, so you just have to let it go and trust that God will take care of you.
I learned that worrying will give you stomach aches, so you should just plan accordingly instead.
I learned to not take things (or myself) too seriously.
I learned to find the good in what some people would call "bad" situations.

As hard as growing up in a divorced family has been, I learned to appreciate it. It has taught me so much, and made me who I am today. I may not have had the "typical" or "normal" childhood, but it was normal to me. The divorce shaped me as a person, and is continuing to do so everyday.