My brother and I grew up with our mother as our sole provider. Our father wasn't around much for reasons I never understood. Growing up with two parents is better for children, but only when both mother and father are the biological or “intact” parents (Berlin, 2004). Berlin (2004) stated that it is ultimately best for children to grow up with both parents to avoid unwanted circumstances, such as teenage pregnancy and dropping out of school. My brother and I were very successful in school; we played sports and were very busy in life. We both went to college after high school and moved out on our own. Now I have my own family, work and go to school full time. My brother lives alone while going to school and also works full time. We beat the odds. We continually thank our mother and family for always being there. Our mother is loving, supportive and always there when we need her. It hurt not having a father around, but our mom and our crazy family made us feel like nothing was missing. We had what we needed and wanted; we have never been left without anything. When one door closes, another opens. Nothing is ever as bad as it seems, and we just have to look bigger