3.4 Volk Writing 1

My New Normal

My journey of coming from your picture-perfect, suburban family of four to a broken home.

By Sydney Volk

Back in eighth grade, I had to take the bus home because my sister informed me that she was already home and wasn't going to give me a ride. It was out of the ordinary for her to already be home but I hopped on the bus with no question. Didn't think I would come home to my mother's belongings gone, missing furniture, and my father standing in an empty room puzzled and speechless. 

My mother had finally left her toxic marriage with my father. I had an extremely dysfunctional upbringing because of my parents. It worsened once my older sister got more involved in my parent's fighting. She is my half-sister which makes my mother her stepmother. It was heartbreaking to watch all three of my immediate family members grow to hate each other. I witnessed not only mental abuse but physical. I knew divorce was on the horizon but I don't think I was prepared as much as I thought.

I walked around my house with my father in silence. It was strange noticing every little thing she had taken with her. It made me mad almost seeing how she had left us but also knowing that she needed to. It took me three months to talk to my mother after that day. I needed that time to get away from the fighting and avoid difficult conversations. Soon after I met with her, I started seeing the full picture. It was a hard and long journey coming to terms with how both parties handled their marriage and divorce. 

I'll always remember that day. Those events changed my whole life but I wouldn't rewrite it even if I had the chance. I now have a great understanding of how life happens and you better go with the current or you'll be stuck forever. I can proudly say I have loving and trusting relationships with both my parents. They have apologized and I have forgiven them.