2. My Version of Normal

The absence of quality time together was the unspoken norm within my home. Each of us seemed to navigate life on separate paths, but my father the most. My dad, a chiropractor, had long office hours that kept him away from the house for long periods. As the days unfolded however, his absence only seemed to lengthen. I can't recall the exact age when my dad embarked on his journey to become a bodybuilder. I was too young to comprehend the magnitude of this. Nonetheless, the training he followed was nothing short of extraordinary. To succeed as a bodybuilder, one must change every aspect of their life. I vividly remember his relentless visits to the gym, twice a day, immersing himself in weight training in the mornings and intense cardio sessions in the afternoons. This grueling routine, combined with his already lengthy office hours, meant I never saw him during the weekdays.

However, it wasn't just the hours spent at the gym that set my father's life distant from the family; his eating habits contributed to the shift as well. His bodybuilding trainer prescribed an extreme diet, leaving no room for cheating. Plain chicken, sweet potatoes, and broccoli became staples of his meals, with each item having to be weighed and measured. Dining out at restaurants became a rare luxury, and even then, he diligently brought his pre-prepared meals along. While my father's commitment to his fitness goals was admirable, this lifestyle left little room for shared moments or family connection. Subconsciously, I believe my father went into bodybuilding as a way to distance himself from my mom.

In contrast, my mom always made it a priority to be present for my sister and me. She went above and beyond, driving me to my various extracurricular activities, including my newfound passion for dance. Throughout our formative years, she consistently showed up for both of us. Reflecting on those days, I now realize the immense support my mom provided in all of my pursuits, and I wish I had recognized and appreciated those moments more. At the time, I was caught up in the excitement of playing with my neighborhood friends, leaving the house at any opportunity. Little did I know, however, that the biggest change I would ever experience would sweep through my life in the blink of an eye.