The people who make up your family normally consist of a set of grandparents, your folks, a few aunts and uncles, and maybe some cousins. Well, growing up for me, I had four sets of grandparents, about eight aunts and uncles, and so many first and second cousins that I can't even count them on my hands. Yes, we are all very close and talk daily. I love the fact that I come from such a big family, and I am not saying that big families are the best because coming from a small family is probably just as awesome; however, I don't really know due to the fact that I have a big family and always have.
When you have a big family, there is always someone in the family who will be there for you. Family reunions are always a blast because you have that one uncle (my uncle Todd) or aunt (my Aunt Christy) that always makes everyone laugh till you pee your pants. It is also true what you see in the movies; there is that one old family member that wears lipstick and leaves kiss marks on your face. Sometimes it's not an older member, 'cause in my family that would be my aunt.
The holidays are pretty fantastic as well. When Thanksgiving comes around you can bet to gain at least 10 pounds because of all the different dinners you go to. Having a big family you have to divide and conquer. Sometimes holidays can last two days or even a week for big families. Christmas, Easter, New Year's, and even the Superbowl, consist of lots of food and laughter.
Just like any other family you will have the typical family drama, things like she said/he said. Sometimes words are thrown around and can become very hurtful, but at the end of the day you are all family and still love each other. There's that one family member that brings y'all back together and you end up laughing the entire situation away.
We also cannot forget those family members who aren't blood related. I am talking about your best friends growing up. The friends from the groups you are in (theatre family, teammates, amazing friends) are nonetheless family as well. They are the people you go to when you need someone to hang out with, who make midnight runs to Sonic with you, who do the stupid things like learn how to use a hoverboard and laugh when you fall. Family is not just made up of blood relations; these people also come with you to family functions and everyone already knows who they are. They walk into your house without knocking on the door and they are not going to ask if it's OK that they eat the last little bit of food you have in the fridge.
I am so grateful to come from a big family. I know that no matter what I do in life they will always back me up and support me. Through the years you gain more and more supporters, you have more opinions and concerns, and more love then imaginable. So shout out to my family for always being there and supporting me and my dreams. No matter how crazy those dreams are.
