Thirty-two first cousins, twenty-two second cousins, twenty-seven aunts and uncles, four siblings, two sister-in-laws, one nephew, and a surprise on the way. This is my family (if I counted them all correctly!). I can name every single one of them and can name a vast majority of my parent’s cousins and more distant relatives. My Witt Family Reunion is so big that we have to color-coordinate to tell what branch of the family you’re from (hey yellow crew!).
My family is a close second to my faith on the list of most important things in my life; I would never wish for anything less. The biggest blessing I was ever given was being born into the Witt and Doyle families. In my life, “family” is just another term for support system. I actually have twenty-nine parents who encouraged me and who showed me how to be a good Christian. They also taught me humor while giving me strength and, unfortunately, disciplined me. I learned multiple life lessons and I saw what working together through the hard parts looks like.
Yes, there were years that went by when I wouldn’t see some of them, but when they returned it was as if nothing changed. That love, that love towards family, it never fades. In a world of divorce, abandonment, hate, silence, and giving up when the going gets tough, I have seen how a family’s love can hold a person together. I know how my family’s love has held me together in the tough times. We mourn together, pray, laugh, make and relive memories, and poke fun at each other in a way no one else can or would ever understand. I have no idea where I would be, or WHO I would be, if I never experienced all this.
Of course, we have had our fights right alongside the good times. I don’t think anyone has ever fought more than my brother and I. Through it all I still know that he has my back. He may not like me sometimes, but I know he loves me and I love him. I was once told that big families suck because not everyone gets the love they deserve. In response, I gave them some wise words my mama taught me, “Love doesn’t divide, it multiplies.”
Whether you hail from a big crew or small family, think about how each member has impacted you. If you aren’t close with blood relatives, think about the people who filled those roles. Call your mom and tell her you love her, give your big brother a love tap, tell your dad “thank you” for teaching you how to cook, tell the world how proud you are of your baby sister, or do something nice for your sister-in-law. A little love multiplies fast.
