An abundance of movies and television shows portray the father of the family to be caring, dependable, and most of all, a hero to his children. Although that seems to be the perfect reality, that perfect reality doesn't grant everyone, including myself.
No child enjoys going through the steps of divorce, especially if one of those steps includes hardly seeing one parent. For me, my dad was out of the picture after the split, except the occasional phone call or text message. I craved to have my dad back in my life again, but he wasn't longing for his children like we were longing for him. I would lie awake at night blaming myself for what had happened, as most kids do. I was young at the time, and at age nine, a girl needs her dad. Of course, I wasn't fond of change, but it was happening all around me. I tried every day to be strong, not because I wanted to, but because I had to, for my mom. I thought life would never get easier, but then I saw the light at the end of the tunnel. It wasn't until I was fourteen that I realized I did have a father figure in my life, my brother.
Growing up, my brother treated me as any other older brother would. We laughed, we fought, we drove each other insane, but that's just what siblings do. However, when my parents' marriage spiraled down the drain of depression, he stepped up to the plate. He didn't have to become a parent when he was only twenty-three, but he did. He didn't need the responsibility of making sure his little sister was okay, but he wanted it. My brother was there for me whenever I needed him. He always supported me at my football games, was always present to celebrate my birthday, and always motivated me to do better in life. While my father was off in some other state not worrying about his little girl, my brother was the one to make sure I got home safely at night. While my father was too busy being a boy, my brother was busy being a dad.
Being raised by my brother didn't damage me at all, for it only made me try harder to have a successful future like him. He motivated me to keep my grades high and get into the school of my dreams. He's always told me to try my hardest in everything I do, and if you're not going to give something 100% of your effort, don't do it at all. My brother always told me that early is on time, and on time is late, for other people's time is and will always be more important than yours. I hope I never fail him, because he has never failed me. Because my brother has basically been the father figure in my life, I have grown up to be a strong, hard-working, independent, and responsible young woman. He helped me get on the right track to a successful future, and I am forever grateful he stepped in when my father stepped out.
Without my brother's love, support, and guidance, I wouldn't have the drive I do to succeed. My father may not hold the qualities of a dad like the ones on the movies or in novels, but my brother sure does, and for that, I am thankful. Because of my experience, I am a firm believer in the saying, "Anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a Dad."
This is my first draft and I really need some input! Thanks!
No child enjoys going through the steps of divorce, especially if one of those steps includes hardly seeing one parent. For me, my dad was out of the picture after the split, except the occasional phone call or text message. I craved to have my dad back in my life again, but he wasn't longing for his children like we were longing for him. I would lie awake at night blaming myself for what had happened, as most kids do. I was young at the time, and at age nine, a girl needs her dad. Of course, I wasn't fond of change, but it was happening all around me. I tried every day to be strong, not because I wanted to, but because I had to, for my mom. I thought life would never get easier, but then I saw the light at the end of the tunnel. It wasn't until I was fourteen that I realized I did have a father figure in my life, my brother.
Growing up, my brother treated me as any other older brother would. We laughed, we fought, we drove each other insane, but that's just what siblings do. However, when my parents' marriage spiraled down the drain of depression, he stepped up to the plate. He didn't have to become a parent when he was only twenty-three, but he did. He didn't need the responsibility of making sure his little sister was okay, but he wanted it. My brother was there for me whenever I needed him. He always supported me at my football games, was always present to celebrate my birthday, and always motivated me to do better in life. While my father was off in some other state not worrying about his little girl, my brother was the one to make sure I got home safely at night. While my father was too busy being a boy, my brother was busy being a dad.
Being raised by my brother didn't damage me at all, for it only made me try harder to have a successful future like him. He motivated me to keep my grades high and get into the school of my dreams. He's always told me to try my hardest in everything I do, and if you're not going to give something 100% of your effort, don't do it at all. My brother always told me that early is on time, and on time is late, for other people's time is and will always be more important than yours. I hope I never fail him, because he has never failed me. Because my brother has basically been the father figure in my life, I have grown up to be a strong, hard-working, independent, and responsible young woman. He helped me get on the right track to a successful future, and I am forever grateful he stepped in when my father stepped out.
Without my brother's love, support, and guidance, I wouldn't have the drive I do to succeed. My father may not hold the qualities of a dad like the ones on the movies or in novels, but my brother sure does, and for that, I am thankful. Because of my experience, I am a firm believer in the saying, "Anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a Dad."
This is my first draft and I really need some input! Thanks!
