Family is just a one-word but has different meanings. We have our own definition of the term family.

For me, a family is consisting of two parents and their children. Nurturing, guiding, and supporting each other with unconditional love and unending care.

A picture of a perfect family consists of a mother, a father, and their children.

Others are fortunate, being born and raised by their own family.

Who does not want a happy and complete family?

Having your own parents who are always ready to support, nurture, and protect you. Having a complete meal altogether in one table, sharing all the good times together, and sharing unending stories to tell.

Oh! how happy it could be.

But I'm less fortunate, for I was a part of a broken family.

What it's like to be part of a broken family?

A broken family is a family where parents decided to take both separate ways. Living in this kind of situation is embarrassing. I grew up with my mom and dad who always quarrel. They're like cats and dogs every day. Other people may not see it, but our family is broke, and I witnessed how it shuttered in front of my eyes.

It hurts and stressful. It feels like you're isolated, and you're not part of this happy society. It really hurts and embarrassing at the same time, It feels like I'm the only one with a messed up family. I never told my friends and my classmates about this. I don't want them to pity me, for I pity myself a lot already.

"Why do I have to suffer like this?"

"Can't I become happy too?"

I can't remember if how many times I have asked my self these questions. Keeping me to ask my self, why of all people, my family is chosen to be torn apart?

I felt extreme sadness during school activities, especially family days. I was hurt every time I saw other kids who are happy and sharing laughter with their parents. It feels like you're not welcome and don't belong to this event at all.

When I think about the future, I fear having a broken family of my own. I always told my self, when I grow up, I don't want my own family to be broken just like what happened to us. I'll do whatever it takes not to put my future children into this kind of situation.

But as time passed, self-blame and self-pity will slowly fade, I just think bigger, it's not my fault after all. No one wanted to have a family like this. Maybe this is just a life obstacle that I need to pass. Our family is chosen because we can handle it and can surpass it.

I never hated my parents on what path they've chosen. It is better to stay like this than to hear them quarrel and see them hurting each other every time. I know they made the right decision after all.

Living and dealing in this kind of family situation is hard, and hurtful, but I know everything has its own reasons.

We don't have; nor can choose a perfect life, but somehow, you can live your life that way you want it to be.

And I choose to accept it and handle it to live with it. I choose to be happy despite those hurtful rememberings.

I may not be fortunate with my family, I know I am blessed with so many things and aspects in life.