Looking back at my life, I can't say that I had a troubled childhood or made a lot of bad decisions, but it was still interesting none the less.

I was born and raised by a single mother, who did everything she could to raise me right. And as I got older, I just made things harder on her. I was angry at the life she chose and wondered why she couldn't be with my dad. It was always just me and her and sometimes, I needed someone else.

The best thing she ever did for me, was put me in archery lessons. Not only did I learn my talent, but we found a man who completed our family and became the dad I always wanted.

It took them till I was fourteen before they told me that he was my real dad. I get why they waited so long to tell me the truth, but it didn't matter. I think I always I knew he was my dad. I always treated him like he was my dad.

They sat me down and told me everything. What they had done, why they did it, and when they found out. I was more upset it took them seven years to tell me, but I understood. I would have never been able to comprehend the baby making process until I had a few years of health class. I didn't have many questions, like I said, I always treated him like my dad. I already had his name at that point so it was nothing more than them being honest with me

They had gotten married when I was nine. Just a simple courthouse wedding, with a reception afterwards at a diner. Uncle Merle was there and so were some of their close friends. It was small, just like they wanted. Afterwards, they change mine and mom's last names to reflect that of my dad's and my baby sister.

They didn't wait too long to have another baby. By our second Christmas together, mom was already about five months pregnant with Lexi and wore an engagement ring on her finger. I knew they would be perfect together, and they seemed to agree. We were all happy to be a real family finally.

My talent in archery only grew, as me and dad continued to train. I started winning more competitions and with the prize money I was winning, my parents were able to afford a competition trainer. Dad was a great teacher, but even he admitted that I needed to learn more if I wanted to compete on a bigger level. I worked hard at archery, as well as school, as my parents wanted to make sure that I had a good education under my belt. I learned my work ethic from my parents and I understand how hard they worked to give me the opportunities I have today.

Dad was there with me at every competition, every time trial, and he was always my biggest cheerleader. Once Lexi was old enough, mom and her started to come around too. Uncle Merle visited as often as he could, always cheering me on and making sure that I kept my nose out of the bad things in life.

I'm here today because of my parents and what they did for me. They believed in me and put me on the right path, and continue to do so. I'm proud of who I am.

From where I'm standing, I can see them on the sidelines. Mom crying her eyes out; Dad holding onto Lexi's hand as she sings along with the national anthem and Uncle Merle with the biggest smile on his face, that I've ever seen. I made them proud today, winning a Gold Medal in Archery for my country, but I am most proud to be their brother, their nephew and son.

Super short epilogue but I think I said all I needed to. Thanks again for following this story and I'll see you at the next one!

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