Growing up in a big family can be crazy and chaotic, but it's the best thing that ever could have happened to me.

I grew up with two sets of parents; my Mom and my stepdad, and my Dad and my stepmom. That means I not only have two sides of family...But rather four! I grew up with four families who love me unconditionally, and it has made my life wonderful.

Here are 10 things you know if you grow up in a big family.

1. How to share.

You have multiple cousins around the same age as you, and you learn that fights will break out pretty quickly if you don't learn to be fair.

2. What it's like to always have someone there for you.

You know you'll never have to be alone, because all you have to do is call, and there's always someone who will listen.

3. How to be helpful.

When you're the oldest, you learn to help out with the younger ones, especially when it comes to a reunion.

4. Love.

There's no greater love than walking up to a reunion and immediately having people come up to you, greeting you with big hugs.

5. Friendship.

Your cousins are some of your first friends. You played multiple made up games with them and had lots of fun times at Grandma's together, which was of course documented with a video camera!

6. Inside Jokes.

You have too many of them to count, and while they may not make much since to anyone else, they'll crack you up every single time.

7. Unbreakable Bonds.

A relationship that is stronger than any silly argument or disagreement.

8. Forgiveness.

When you have a big family, sometimes feelings will get hurt and it's all about learning what is worth fighting over and what you should forget.

9. Patience.

There will be times when you have to wait a little longer, whether it be for food, to hold your youngest cousin, or to spend the night with grandma. You learn to have patience.

10. The true meaning of Family.

It means always being there for each other in the good times, as well as the bad. Having a support system that you'll never lose; People who will have your back every single time. You will strive to only surround yourself with people who are like your family. You learn what it means to be protected and care for, and you learn what it means to want to be someone else's protection.

I am blessed beyond measure to have such a large family because it's made me who I am. I would choose it over and over again, always. It can be very hectic and things don't always go as planned in a life like mine but...

I wouldn't change a thing because I love my big family!