As I was growing up, through elementary school all the way until high school, I had this preconceived notion of what a 'typical family' or 'idealistic family' is supposed to consist of. I mean, sure, we all daydream about the family that we will make later in our life, but I'm referring to the family whom we grew up around, laughed with and cried with and, on many occasions, fought with. See, my views on family were based on of the impressions given off by others externally and my hidden insecurities internally. What I have learned through the years are two important concepts about family: no family is perfect or doesn't have conflicts and you nor anyone else should be judged or be judging about where someone comes from because you don't know their story.

Yes, I come from a single parent household and I am not ashamed of that. I grew up in a house where it was just my mom, brother, and me. However, there were several times where I thought I could deem myself "socially acceptable" if I made it seem like at some point in time I would have two parents in the house with me. These were thoughts that I had in my mind that I had made a big deal, when in reality, they were not. Unfortunately, that is part of growing up where you want to conform or fit with other kids around you, but it takes a level of maturity and self-respect to just be who you are. It doesn't matter who cares or who sees me differently because of where I come from.

My mom has done a lot for my brother and me, and she still continues to do so; I could not be any more grateful that she is the way she is. What I have come to realize is that it takes a very strong person to endure what she has been through and still be a good mother. All of the responsibilities and necessities that come with having children won't be listed here in this article, but if you sit and ponder about all the things you needed and who took you to the doctor, etc., the list gets lengthy real quick. When all of these responsibilities and liabilities are put onto one person, I am sure that it is more than enough. It can be overwhelming for sure and I think that a lot of times those two small details (said earlier in this sentence and the previous) are both easily forgotten. Sure, she is not perfect and conflicts arise a lot between us, as it happens to the best of us. And although my brother and I both are getting older, she puts forth effort and gives my brother and me her time.

No, I am not the only one who felt this way and there could be somebody who feels that way now. It may not be the same for everybody whether you have just your dad, an aunt, uncle, cousin, or even a grandparent who is taking over that role. But let me tell you that it does matter who may judge you or look at you a certain way because of your family. It is your family, the ones who you know better and who are taking care of you. Do not let anybody try to justify that because you come from a single parent household that you are and will become a 'certain way'. Feel confident that it's all about where you are going and what your future may hold. Everybody's sense of what 'feels' normal to them may not be the same as yours and that's okay because they will be fine and so will you.