My parents separated when I was about 13. It was awful. REALLY awful. I was always closer to my dad, and he left. Now, 17 years later, I can't imagine my parents together at all. They've both moved on and are very happy. I realise now they were very young when they got married, and it wasn't right. As hard as it was then, I'm more than happy for them now. It's about them, not me.
My dad has remarried a couple of times. I have a 13 year old brother from his second marriage who I love to death. He's the best. He lives with dad, so we've always been close. His third partnership didn't work out either, but I have a 10 year old sister and a 6 year old brother (he's 8 months older than my daughter!!!) so that was great too.
I have an older sister, and we're very close. She's thinking of moving to Germany next year, and I have no idea what I'll do without her! (NOBODY TO GO TO THE FOOTBALL WITH!!!!!)
So I guess my family life can appear a bit strange to outsiders, but I can't really remember it any other way.
I would have loved to have grown up in a more conventional household, but my parents always did their best to make sure my sister and I were happy and secure, so I can't ask for more than that. At the end of the day, I want the same for them.
And now I find myself a single mother, so I can understand a bit more of what may have happened with them. I'm still very close to my daughters dad, and we always put her first. I wouldn't have it any other way.