Lineage

The childhood I had was probably the closest I can describe to perfect, thanks to the dedication and hard work of two of the most amazing people I know: my parents. I wouldn't say I idolize them, and my mother and father aren't the only people I think of as my parents. They simply did a hell of a job raising me.

My mom, being a tough spirit from the heart of Queens, New York, has the heart of a lion. She grew up around the corner from 50 Cent and went to high school with Dennis Rodman. She speaks Spanish, French, Catalan (a mix of the previous two) and a large bit of Japanese. Most of my friends are scared of her Hispanocity, (Hispanic ferocity) but that only exists because she's the most protective person I've known. What she lacks in empathy for random people she makes up for in loving those close to her. I couldn't ask for a stronger, more energetic mother. My mom and dad divorced in 2006, but I think they're far better apart than together. Both are remarried and have their own version of happily ever after, and that's the jam.

My dad was an only child that grew up in California and Indiana. He got everything he ever wanted in life, and somehow let me do the same. I'm spoiled as month old milk. My dad is a nerd and has a childlike spirit that I inherited along with his fascination with nature. He's competitive, likes to party, and can be the most fun person in the entire world if he lets you into his friendly bubble. He's passionate like my mom, but less about people and more about hobbies. Few people in this world have experienced and achieved as much as my dad. Those are my blood parents. There were absences in my life caused by things beyond their control, thus I gained other parental figures in addition to them. The step-parents I gained from the divorce are just as important to me as any other family member.
Mark Helmus, a huge Marine Corps officer with a heart of gold, married my mom. He is the epitomy of strong, silent type, and is either as emotional or more emotional than me. Which says something, I'm a huge wuss when it comes to emotional pain.
My stepmom, Holly Schipper, is a nurse that doesn't stop smiling. Ever. It's ridiculous, she just cares for everyone all the time. Holly is one of the most genuine, happy people I've ever met. And she totally gets it from her mom, whom I love too. She babies my dad and he needs that, both of my step-parents work perfectly for the blood relative counterparts in both marriages. I love all four of my parents, it's semi-dysfunctional but it works. I'm very rich in the way of people who care for me.