There’s so many stories I could tell you about myself. I feel like I’m always doing something or something is happening to me. So, maybe this will be a little of a sadder story, but not all stories can be happy, right?
When I was about 12 my parents got a divorce. It was definitely something that seemed like it was coming for a while. My mom was in a work related accident when I was really young and so she hasn’t been able to work since then. My parents said they got a divorce because if they stayed together they’d go broke with having to pay all the medical bills, but later I found out it was for different reasons.
I kind of went back and forth between my dad and my mom’s house growing up so it felt like I was never in a stable spot. I spent a lot of time at my friend’s houses and they all took me in as their new family member. Eventually, my dad let his high school sweetheart and her three kids move in because their living situation wasn’t the best either. So, that left me with sleeping on the couch. We all thought it was best for me to move in with my mom so I could have a stable room and just visit my dad when I wanted to. My parents still lived in the same town so it was easy to walk or ride my bike from one house to another.
And then it seemed like things got even more rocky. My mom still hasn’t really been working since her injury, but has had a lot of issues with surgeries, pain, and her pain medication. There’d be multiple times I’d come home and she had taken her pain meds and wouldn’t be able to function properly. I was kind of forced to grow up on my own. I cooked for myself, I made sure I got to school and did my homework, once I turned 16 I bought a car and got a job so I was able to take care of myself.
Eventually, living with my mom wasn’t a good choice so after living with her full time for about a year my dad decided it was time I came back and lived with him. I knew there I’d have a hot meal every night, groceries in the fridge, parents who would make sure I was doing my homework, and people who would come to my sporting events.
Growing up it’s been a constant battle between my parents and I. It was always a fight of where I should stay, how I should be raised, and everything else parents fight about with their kids, but worse. They have two totally different parenting styles and definitely two different kinds of lives. I can see why they butt heads so much.
My parents having me go back and forth has definitely made me the independent person I am. And I’m definitely hard headed because of it. I’m the kind of person who has to do most things on my own, I can’t ask for help, and I have to constantly be working to be able to provide for myself. Maybe it hasn’t allowed me to loosen up a little, but I think I turned out pretty alright through the situations I was given.
Alana's Blog 
Alana,
I too come from a slip family. It’s common anymore, but that doesn’t mean it gets any easier for the kids. Being independent is something I too am, but I have never thought of it due to my parents’ separation. It’s always been for me. From being a lifeguard at age 14 to being a swim instructor and cheer captain, I have found myself in roles of responsibility from a young age. I’ve always enjoyed working and making a name for myself. It seems as though I forgot who that was for a couple years when I started college. But, since then I’ve been doing great things with school and work.
LikeLike
Powerful story, Alana. You do a good job of both including and excluding details. You do an excellent job of drawing the reader in and then helping them identify with your story. Really good work.
Just one comment on editing it. Start with “When I was about 12.” That is the perfect place to start the story. Is there any way you might return to 12-year-old you at the close? Would be something worth doing some more work on. Really well told story.
LikeLike