Family

I come from a remarkable family. There were eight children. Each one of us is different. We can have eight different viewpoints on any subject. When we get together the conversation flows like an eggbeater.

When we were younger, we used to fight a lot. When I say fight, I don’t mean those little tussles. Life was pretty violent. On one occasion my sister and brother both had to go the hospital for stitches.

Part of the problem back then was that there were ten of us living in a house with only three small bedrooms. I remember studying in university what happened to rats when you put too many with in a confined space. I could have skipped that class. I already knew that they fought from personal experience.

Some of my classmates used to invite their friends home after school. I tried it a couple of times, but it didn’t work. Adding another person to an already crowded house made matters worse.

Did I have it bad? I didn’t think so. Growing up in a home like that, I figured that what I experienced was normal. Something was always happening. There were few dull moments.

As we all grew older, a strange thing has happened. We have grown much, much closer.

My pen pal came to visit from Belgium this summer. She remarked how ideal my family seemed. It seems hers siblings are distancing themselves from each other.

Perhaps having shared such a unique experience binds us together. Really, I wouldn’t trade my family for any other. I feel that I can share them with anyone.

For example, Tony, a friend, may be coming over tomorrow to do some carpentry work. Some of my family is visiting for a few days. I know that they will welcome him as if they have known him for years. Of course, I will be the brunt of their teasing, but I’m used to that.

I have come to realize that it I am quiet fortunate to have the family I have. This isn’t just my brothers and sisters. It flows down to my nephews and nieces.

As they say, you can pick your friends, but you can’t pick your family. I think I won the lottery concerning family. We aren’t perfect, but we are special. The adversity we shared together when we were younger, I think, has brought about a bonding that will last. Had we had it easier, I'm not so sure if we would be that close.