This time of year is my favorite. It’s the one time of year that all of my family can get together. We can hang out and spend time out of our busy schedules and lives and be together. Family is one of the most important things to me and I would never treat them for anything. Of course, there have been so many bumps for us but together we have gotten through it. Whatever life gave us, we were together. When we all moved to our separate things we were still as close as ever supporting each other.
I know not everyone is as lucky to have a great family experience, but I did. Granted it wasn’t always like this, but no matter what we were there for each other. For some history, my mother was abusive, physically and mentally, to each of my brothers and sisters. She didn’t provide for the family and only cooked when she wanted to. My dad mentioned it one time when we were talking about it one night and I quote, “I don’t know how all you guys were able to even survive.” That always haunts me, because it’s true, I don’t know either. But I do know one thing, it’s because we were there for each other.
Even though the six of us didn’t grow up in the best environment, we still had each other. Of course, we didn’t have things that you would find in a typical “normal family.” Being together is all we had and needed. I didn’t need anything fancy just being able to have a family is enough. And just as much as I love my siblings, I love my dad. He is the hardest-working man I ever known. Even though he technically wasn’t the one to raise me, he provided so much for us and I love him for that. Our family of seven is all that I could ever ask for and I wouldn’t change a thing.
I am so grateful that at least in my situation, family was very important. It kept me alive and able to have a semi-functional childhood. Some people grow up in bad circumstances, so I am glad that I was born into at least this one. It is good to always have someone to lean on in your time of need. So cherish your family especially if you are in a good home environment. They are the only ones you have that are your flesh and blood.