My life was mostly normal when I was younger. I thought everyone’s family situation was the same. The usual mom, dad, and siblings. That was the way my family was set up. It was like that for a while, until my mom slowly drifted away from our family and my dad got sick. Nothing bad was happening to me but our new family dynamics would impact me differently as I got older and understood more. I no longer have a typical family.

My mom was always there for me. She styled my hair however I wanted and made my favorite food whenever I wanted. She would do her best to keep me happy whenever I was down. She did a lot for me. When I was around 10 years old, my mom got close to someone she worked with. It seemed as though I was the last one to find out. I wasn't really sad or mad at the time. I was just really confused. I didn't know what to feel or what to think about my mom. My mom stopped living with us. A part of my life disappeared. It was just my dad, sister, and me.

My other oldest sister had already moved out with her husband. It was just the three of us for a while. My dad was the only one supporting us, taking care of us, feeding us, and always making sure that we were safe. It was hard sometimes, especially for my dad. He would work almost every single day and come back home really tired. I always felt bad for him and I never liked seeing him like that. He definitely put a lot of effort into trying to make us happy and making us feel loved. He always tried his best to give us what we wanted. I appreciate everything he did for me and my sister. I wish I helped a lot more around the house.

The majority of the time my sister was the one that was helping around the house. I also really appreciate my sister for helping me and being there for me. She was the one taking care of me and making food for me while my dad was at work. She would also help me with my homework when I was struggling and put my hair in braids when I couldn’t. She's such a big part of my life. I’m so grateful for her. She made me feel happier like someone was still there for me.

Later on, my dad developed pancreatic cancer and passed away. My idea of normality changed again. My sister and her husband ended up moving into our house. They were going to take care of us. My sister got pregnant, which introduced a new addition to our family, my nephew, Ian. We were in a dark place when Ian was born. We were still upset over my dad’s passing, but Ian always made us smile and laugh. He always brightened up the room and made us happier. My sister says that when we lose an angel we gain an angel. It was the five of us living together and everything was getting better. We got really close to my brother-in-law's family and became a bigger family.

During these situations, my sisters have always stayed by my side and have made me a better person. Although my dad isn't here anymore, I know that he will always be by my side watching over me and my sisters. I've realized who actually cares about me and who doesn’t, who really cares about how I feel and who doesn’t, who's left me, and who has stayed with me. I have realized who my family really is.

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