In my family, Sunday is family day. Growing up with an Italian American grandfather on my mother's side has had a huge influence on my way of life. It is a well-known fact that my Pop is adamant about keeping the family together. Every Sunday, he and my grandmother host a family dinner at their house -- an event that my family and my mother's siblings' families have attended every Sunday. My aunts, uncles and cousins would come for the day every week, and my cousins and I would go outside and play or when it was cold, play in the basement.
Growing up so close to my cousins has really helped me in the long run and here's why.
1. A Super Glue Standard Support Group
Growing up so close to my cousins has given me the greatest coping tool that anyone could imagine. In my family, there are six cousins on my mother's side and five on my father's side. The instant that any one of them hears that something has happened to another cousin -- whether it be good or bad -- they get in touch. My cousins and I are what I call "Super Glue Standard"; we stick together no matter what the issue may be. We root for one another and we root against with one another. Having such a strong support group really helps when you are growing up, especially in a world where there is as much going on as there is.
2. A Family Tree Branch Of Networking
Growing up so close to my cousins has also given me the awesome ability to network. Going to so many birthday parties and family gatherings has allowed me to meet people who are close to my cousins and become acquainted with them. When it comes to meeting people from other schools, mentioning that you have a cousin that you are close with at the same school as the person you are talking to really helps to get a conversation going and helps in making new friends. Having that Family Tree Branch to network from is a great way to make easier an imperative part of growing up -- meeting new people.
3. A Bigger Than Brady Bunch Of Friends
Finally, growing up so close to your cousins gives you a fantastically large group of lifelong friends. My cousins are people that I can go to for anything, whether it be a question of sports, school or meeting new people. It gives you people that you can rely on and trust to be there for you when you need them. My family members are my rock and without them I don't know what kind of person I would be today!
