The word "family" inevitably has a different meaning for different people. In my case, family is a group of incredibly supportive and loving people that I feel blessed to call my own. Sometimes referred to as "The Tribe," my extended family can be overwhelming to say the least. With the vast majority of us having rather big personalities, chaos is a frequent occurrence when we’re all together. Despite that, my family is as tight-knit and close as they come, and I wouldn’t want to have it any other way.
After going away to school this past year, I have come to realize that my family situation is not as common as I once thought. Not many people can relate to having cousins as best friends or grandparents who sneak you a beer during a family party (thanks, Papa). While some people may enjoy peaceful family dinners or a constantly quiet house, I believe there are countless benefits of growing up in a big family.
1. Continuous offerings of advice and guidance.
No matter what the challenge is, odds are there is someone in the family who has had a similar experience and is more than willing to help.
2. Lifelong best friends.
I am constantly questioned as to how and why I love spending as much time with my siblings and cousins as I do. Not everyone understands that they’re the most accepting, loyal friends imaginable.
3. Numerous parental figures.
Having aunts and uncles who treat you like their own children, and you know you could call in an emergency is something to be thankful for.
4. Experience of extra unconditional love.
While small families also experience unconditional love, big families have an excess of it. These people have been there through the awkward phases of cargo shorts, braces and questionable hairstyles, yet chose to love you anyway.
5. Unbelievable amounts of laughs and memories.
When my family gets started on embarrassing stories or memories, there’s no stopping us. Looking around the room at any given moment and seeing smiles and laughter among those I love most is all I need.
6. Models of what relationships and friendships should be like.
Growing up in a big family has helped me to cherish the relationships I have and strive to further develop them in the future. My family continues to surprise me every day with the amount of love, compassion and understanding they show, which is why I am so grateful to have grown up in a big family like mine.
