Family Impact

After reading a fellow bloggers last post about family, it got me thinking about my own family.  My parents divorced when I was just barely five.  Actually the only memory I have of my my Dad and my mom in the same house is totally random.  All I remember is getting into my dad's bed which was the pull out couch in the office (I didn't even know to ask questions) because it was storming and we shared a little bag of  pizza combos.  That's all I got for memories of mom and dad.  From there on, I was split between two households that could not have been more different from each other.  My mom and step-dad were laid back and unconditonal with their parenting skills.  On the other hand, my dad and step-mom were completely opposite.  They were very strict and VERY conditional.  So as both families grew, I found myself feeling like the black sheep of the family.  My brother and sister (Ali and Boy) on my dad's side were growing up so fast in a household I could hardly relate to. And the separation began.  I love them both very much but I think we never got the chance to be as close as brothers and sisters are supposed to be.  Courtney, my sister from mom's side was much more like me.  But the six year age gap really put us on different levels growing up.  Courtney is graduating from high school this weekend and going to UK in the fall.  Its hard to believe that she is about to take the biggest step in her life so far and I could not be more excited for her.  But I feel like I have missed out on that close sisterly bond that I have always wanted, until recently.  

Both my sisters are now 19 and have started to realize that I am the best person to call when they are having problems.  And I could not be more thrilled.  It seems that finally we have all finally entered an age where we can communicate like true sisters.  I hope that our relationship continues to grow and that we can always speak freely about our beliefs and ideals.  I could look back and wish that I had something that I clearly did not have OR I can move forward with the amazing opportunity of having a huge impact on both of them while they are finding themselves in college.