What's in a Family?

My family originally consisted of a nice group of four. My mother, father, sister and obviously myself were the original members of the Cook household. Now my parents are divorced and both have remarried which has added a considerable amount of people to the group of people I call family. The divorce happened when I was 12. Both parents remarried within a couple of years and now I have one full-blooded sister, one half-sister from my mother and my step-father and seven new step-brothers and sisters!

I moved with my father at fifteen years old to New Richmond, WI where I graduated and got to know my step-mother, Rita, through the years. This was pretty fortunate because when my dad passed away from a heart attack in 2005, I was living with them at the time. I was able to help Rita through the troubles and she in turn helped me.

I still talk with my mother but usually once a month or so on the telephone and I see her only a few times a year. I don't know my step-siblings all too well but I've grown accustomed to them and when I see them we have a pretty good time. they range in age from 12 to 36. This lends to some interesting conversations, fun and games at the family events. I've grown to learn and love my family regardless of blood or marriage relation.