It is a poor idea to lie to yourself.

I grew up in a big family and I am a middle child. I always had this fantasy of being the only child and it so happened that my aunt and uncle didn't have any children. I took the role of being "their only child" and my dreams were coming true. Whenever I had a sporting event or any outing as I was an athlete, I had two sets of parents who would give me money or anything that I needed.

Life was good; whenever I needed anything that my biological parents wouldn't give me I had backup parents who spoilt me rotten. My dreams were becoming a reality when there was a conversation of being an adopted child. This was very exciting for me because it meant enjoying the freedom of being the only child. My biological parents burst my bubble by telling me to return home and stop with my nonsense. I was not going to be adopted, I must go back and resume my role of being the middle child.

I was living a lie deep down in my heart; I knew I belonged in my big family. I have become this Zodwa because of what my parents taught me about sharing. My daughter even says sharing is caring. I am a product of a big family that is filled with love and laughter. I would have been a selfish child if I had stayed with my aunt and uncle; I believed the world owed me. It is a poor idea to lie to yourself.