Have you ever thought about trading in your family for a new one? Seriously, people are always trading automobiles, houses, jobs etc. Fortunately, that’s not an option with my family. I have a group of people who are always there for each other. Although my extended family may frequently fight and feud, they will always support each other when outsiders challenge the family ties.
The family gatherings occasionally resemble the settings of Lifetime movies. We always have drama, fun, laughter and lots of love. In the end, everybody knows that the family may not agree with you, but they will stand behind you. My family is quite large and continuously growing. To be on the safe side, it is important to remember that everyone who attends the family socials may not know they’re not actually related. We have those family members by association who appreciate and enjoy the benefits of our rambunctious tightly woven group.
The immediate family members are even more tightly connected than the extended members. Immediate family will constantly get involved with your life. The aunts and uncles always want to know what your long-term goals are, how you’re going to meet those goals and do you have a back-up plan? The great thing about close knit family members is that they support and reassure you even when you are struggling with life issues.
Another advantage of close family members is that you have someone to listen when you need to vent about your parents. Most parents are wonderful and always “get it right.” Sometimes they do not solve your problems in a satisfactory method so you need a sounding board. Grandparents may qualify as good listeners unless they get side-tracked telling you childhood stories about your parents. Aunts and uncles may also be receptive to your plight, but sometimes they give you the same answers as your parents.
The most important events in your life will be magnified if shared with family. Imagine birthday parties, graduations and getting your driver’s license without having anyone to share those exciting moments with. In our family, we share happy, sad and funny memories together. My family realizes that I occasionally do not think before speaking, so I’m sporadically the reason for much laughter. But I’m not offended, because I know my family is laughing with me and not at me in the end.
Most families also have an abundance of “step” relatives who may actually be closer than the biological relatives. I’m so grateful to have a “step” aunt who genuinely loves me and listens to me when I need someone to talk to. The importance of family goes beyond the DNA that we share. Family means you have ties with someone who loves you and only wants the best for you. My grandmother has stated that “blood is thicker than water”, and I realize that she means my family will never forget me.
I’ll admit that sometimes children and even young adults may not appreciate the importance of family, but we all need to work on nurturing our relationships. It’s a shame that some people only see each other at weddings and funerals, and life is too short to cut yourself off from people who really care about you. We have numerous social outlets that allow us to stay connected, like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Of course, there are a few family members (my parents) who refuse to get involved with technology, so you must make an effort to visit or call them.
I’m truly blessed to have an incredible family who always takes time to check on me and encourage me. Some people may refer to their families as nosey, but I like to call mine a force of nature. We are strong, determined and always there!
