LIFE CHANGES
BY TIA ALLOWAY
by Jaron Karr
March 02, 2010
We all know that the effects of a divorce or a remarriage on children can be devastating. The concept that life as once known will be forever changed may be difficult to grasp. Sometimes it's hard to see past the pain that one experiences because of one's parents' divorce or remarriage, but change, in spite of the pain isn't always bad.
Divorce has a way of closing one door for the children in a family, but also opening another door. Divorce and remarriage create an opportunity for letting new parents and new siblings into a child's life, and forming a family out of what otherwise would be a nonexistent relationship. It may be hard to let someone new into one's life after being hurt by the people(parents) one loves the most, but once a child allows change to happen, a new bond may be formed that is even stronger than the last. For example, if a person just got out of a bad relationship within a family, that person may not want a new, healthy relationship with step parents, or step brothers and sisters, for fear of getting hurt; but if given the chance, that relationship could turn into a life changing experience.
Friends can also be considered extended family; when least expected, a new friend can come into one's life and change everything for the better. A friend pushes one to be a better person, just like a family would. That new friend may also open a door of endless possibilities. Allowing new friends into one's life is a way of becoming socially connected. Friends who introduce friends to friends create a social network
The changes that happen in relationships with people prepare us for the rest of life's hardships and challenges. Those challenges don't seem so much of a burden when we have a loved one at our side helping us.
