Can Divorce Be a Good Thing?
Precocious is what they called me, parents seem to hate those children. I acted like I knew everything and I thought that I had a right to act that way. My mother hadn't quite finished growing up by the time she had me and my brother. Her priorities were usually partying with friends instead of reading bedtime stories. She didn't appreciate her oldest daughter telling her that she needed to buy groceries instead of cigarettes or that she had to pay the electric bill instead of going out to the bar and having drinks with friends.
Since my mom was not very responsible or good with money, I had to take on her role in the house. First to my brother who is younger then to my sister five years after that. It was a struggle at times, feeding them on macaroni and cheese, a dollar could get you four of them, bologna and ketchup sandwiches too, sounds bad but don't knock it until you try it. I think the first time I cooked for me and my brother was when I was 5 years old and my mother left me along with my 3 year old brother so she could play Yahtzee with her friend down the hall in the apartment building.
I would check to see that their homework was completed at night. Being a good student with less homework enabled me to assist them in the evening. On the rare occasion that my mother was willing to help, I'd always have to correct her mistakes. Going to classes was not her strongest skill.
Since the rent was always late we moved around two or even three times each year. Although the moves were always within the same tri-city area, it meant changing schools at least annually. Switching schools became normal for me; from kindergarten through eighth grade I went to nearly 20 different schools.
Because we moved around a lot I had trouble keeping friends. I was almost always the "new girl" and had to deal with all that entailed. Even if I lucked out and could go to the same school as before, the friends I used to have had already made new friends when I was gone. I felt like I didn't fit in with that group anymore.
When I was 12, my mother divorced my father since she didn't want to be the main adult in our family. My family's emotional and financial difficulties were assuaged. We were forced to think about what was most important, like buying food and paying all the bills. We were finally able to live in just one home for the next eight years. I think it was wonderful that my brother and sister had the ability to stay in just one school for nearly their entire school career.
I don't mean to imply that divorce is right for everyone; it just isn't always a terrible thing, as some people assume. Every family needs to analyze their own circumstances and understand that it can often be the best solution to make sure that everyone is happy.
If you find this interesting, you can learn about my practice as an experienced Austin family law attorney. You can also watch the Free Austin Divorce Guide Audio CD at TruslerLegal.com. If you need more specific information, you can see our Austin Texas divorce FAQ's.
