I happened to be very blessed in the family department. My parents have been married 43 years and they actually love one another. They do not cheat, lie, or treat each other mean. They raised my brother and I in a loving, supportive environment. We had two sets of grandparents that loved us madly. We were very abnormal. Most kids I knew growing up did not have the advantages we did in the family department.
We moved from Houston , Texas to a small town when I was 13 years old. That is when my troubles began. Up until that point I knew I was loved and happy. It was when we moved to a small town, where my parents grew up, that I had trouble making new friends. I was very shy and most of these kids had known each other since kindergarten. Well, I did not fit in and I was devastated. My self esteem took a sharp blow. At that age friends are the most important thing in life, and I had none. I made friends with the wrong crowd. They accepted me. I started out smoking cigarettes and it progressed from there. I used all kinds of drugs from the time I was 14 up till I was 41. I managed to graduate from college with a double major and buy my own home. I also managed to have two failed marriages, a shitty work history, and personal problems caused by drug abuse. Now that I am finally grown up, I am able to see the advantages I had as a child. I am proud of my family and I think we are an exception to the rule.
I have been very blessed in my life and I try to remember that everyday. There are so many people who have never had the love I have experienced in my life. I know how precious it is.
Well how's that for a life story? Sorry I rambled on. It is something I am very passionate about. Glad to share and thanks for reading.
