There are two kinds of families in this world. Of course, there's the picture-perfect family with a beautiful home and a white picket fence. Then, there's the family that also refers to their household as the "nuthouse." I come from what you'd consider a "nuthouse."
Some may think being in a family that never argues is the healthiest kind of family; I'd have to disagree. I'd say those who bicker, fight, and don't speak for a week (or maybe a few months), are the ones to be grateful for. Not for the fact that we argue, but for the fact that we are strong enough to overcome it. To go from screaming at each other to kissing and making up, followed by mocking one another, all in the matter of one hour is pretty impressive if you ask me. And, no, it's not just between the siblings -- the nieces, nephews, grandkids, and grandparents get involved, too.
In your perfect family, I bet they can't wait to bring their new significant others around. With the crazy family, you better be marrying them if you plan on introducing them because they have a whole other thing coming. They have to deal with the dirty jokes, getting harassed, picked on, and criticized by all of the crazy aunts and uncles before they can even consider themselves to be a part of the family.
With the crazies, you never have to worry about impressing anyone, or looking your best. It's more like, "Oh, good, you're still wearing the same thing I saw you in yesterday because I am, too." But don't worry, we clean up nice, too. All of the things your perfect family might consider embarrassing, we tend to embrace. We enjoy the fact that we're different.
I've enjoyed being a part of the nuthouse kind of family from the day they came to my games, screaming at the umpires and referees, cheering me on louder than anyone else, to my graduation day when they all held the biggest signs in the crowd of thousands of people, to now, after I called my aunt crazy in probably the meanest way possible.
Some people might think we're crazy, inappropriate, and out of line; I can agree with all three of these things in the best way imaginable. I think we're all too similar to agree to disagree all of the time, and the fact that we can pull it all together and remain on each other's sides after the toughest times is something that your perfect family might not be able to handle. No grudges are held for the crazy ones. And as for the inappropriate-ness, that's just something you'll get used to if you're lucky to be around enough.
Because of them, I have learned to never settle, to never be dependent on someone, and that I can achieve bigger and better things than what I dream of. Along with the fact that if anyone hurts me, I have a family of 20 plus coming to back me up without even asking.
I am so grateful to be surrounded by the most crazy and moody, yet loving and supportive people you will ever meet.
