I can easily say that I am privileged and blessed to be a part of a grand family. My grandmother on my mother's side has 15 children. And from these 15, they have their own children. And some of those kids, have kids of their own. My dad's side is almost identical in size.
In this family, we tend to do things differently. We are a loud group. And it is near impossible to get everyone together. The sheer size can seem intimidating to some. But to us, it is a party all the time. Well, most of the time. Like every family, we all have our differences. And because of our size, we will bicker and fight. My family covers a wide range of people. We have children at the age of two and we have aunts at their late 50s. We have cousins and daughters going to college, and cousins and daughters who are working to put their kids through school. But this family has taught me one thing.
That blood is thicker than water.
There have been times that cousins won't speak to each other for days. And with sisters, weeks. I have shared a few harsh words towards my sister or aunt, and they to me. People in my family have allowed their stupidity and ignorance get in the way of a family picture. I get it. We are Brazilian. We are loud. We are opinionated. But we are family. And because of family, we stick by each other. We stick up for each other. We bless and defend each other.
My family has taught me how to speak and defend myself. They have taught me how to laugh at myself and laugh at them. Because of my family, I learned to value them. Even though, there are some members that I haven't seen in years.
At first, I honestly thought that I was alone in the family. I mean, many people have pointed it out to me, that there is almost no one my age I can relate to. Yet, to my delight, I noticed that I relate to those older and younger than me.
Look, this is not another sappy letter or article about my family. They are annoying at the same time. We always cause a scene, everywhere we go. My aunts and uncles are never in the same accordance with my mom. Or vice versa. It is horrifying to see family crumble in tears by their own blood. The children constantly do things to annoy their parents or sadden them. One hour with us, and you will feel constant elation and anger. But...
Blood is thicker than water.
In this family, we defend each other to the end. We want the best for each other. Even if it isn't right away. We are not the mafia...but we love like one.
These past years, I am shocked by how much these guys have taught me. Either accidentally or on purpose, I have learned from their failures and wrong doings and their triumphs. I find out that my cousins I once thought were annoying and a pain, are some of the funniest kids I know. And my grandmother is one of the chillest and most straightforward woman you will ever meet. In the end, I just hope that we all continue to grow out of frustration and into acceptance and humility. Sure, we are bound to make mistakes that will enrage our fellow members. But that is what family is. We obviously did not choose this life... but let's not waste it in pettiness and ignorance.
