Growing up in a big family means that I am always surround by individuals who love and care about me. Whenever you walk into a family function with my family you walk into hugs and questions about how you're doing, and if you bring someone with you, they're pulled into the love.
I've never known what its like to be bored at a family function without one of your cousins around, and even if you somehow manage to be the only cousin there, your aunt and uncles include you with them. I've never known what its like to not feel an overwhelming feeling of happiness when I see these people, even if we are at our worst there is still so much love.
Growing up in a big family means that when you're successful there are people cheering you on, encouraging you to meet your potential, and making sure that you stay motivated. It also means that if you fall down there are a bunch of people waiting to help you up, and encourage you to be strong enough to keep on trying, or move on to the next thing in life. Within a big family, you're never alone in your endeavors, and more often than not, whenever you see your family, they're going to ask how your dreams are going.
Growing up in a big family means that I have lifelong friends who aren't just tied to me because we're friends, but because we're blood. The closest people to me in my life are some of my cousins, as well as some of my aunts and uncles.
We've shared in the good times together, hanging around and making memories, just as much as we've called each other up on the phone crying. Near or far we know we are always there for each other, always. Even when one of my cousins moved out of state, he assured me that if I ever needed him to he would drop everything and come back to Virginia just for me.
Growing up in a big family means that I knew what a good party was before I went to college. Whether it was a birthday party or a wedding (if it's open bar, watch out) my family knows how to have a good time. We can laugh and dance together, encouraging each other to all have a great time, and not be worried about what other people think. It's exhilarating and it's safe, all while being one of the best times that we have together.
Growing up in a big family means that while everyone grows up and starts having their own little families, we are all still tied to one another with love. My family comes together for celebrations and to lift each other up through the good times and the bad.
Growing up in a big family means that even as I embark on my own new life adventure, I have so many people who love me and care about me, and those people are what keep me going. Because without their love, I wouldn't be the person I am today.
