Family Members: The Value and Impact They May Not Realize They Have

    Families are so diverse, and isn't that such a beautiful thing! Every single family is so complex and different, even if they may appear to be similar. One family of 5, even with family members of the same exact age, will be completely different when compared to another family of 5. There are families with two parents, one parent, no parents, same-sex parents, and opposite-sex parents. There are families with two children or with seven, sometimes including adopted children. It is so amazing how every family takes care of each other and face challenges together in the way that works best for them. Not all families are the same, which makes them so much more unique and beautiful in their own way!

    In my family unit, there are 5 of us, consisting of my beautiful, courageous mom, my hardworking stepdad, and my two younger siblings.  Even though we are a small family compared to others, it feels as though we are full in numbers. I was an only-child for 9 years and grew up with my single mother. Once my mom remarried, I looked forward to the possibilities of having a built in friend in a new sibling. I couldn't wait to finally have another kid to play with and relate to all of my peers in my classes who had siblings. When my mom was first pregnant, everyone asked me what I wanted the sex of the baby to be. I immediately knew that I wanted a little sister, so that I could have a little girl like me to watch Barbie movies with and collect my little ponies with. I still will never forget my squeal of excitement, as I jumped up and down, when my mom and dad announced to me that my wish was coming true. Later on, my mom was pregnant again, and I decided, in my 10 year old brain, that it was time for a little brother now. "I might as well get both a sister and a brother after being an only child for so long,"  I remember thinking to myself. I was so pleased to hear that I got what I wanted both times!

    The older I get, the more I realize that each member of my family have taught me extremely valuable lessons. My mom, for instance, has taught the importance of making wise decisions. Every decision you make, even the small, seemingly meaningless ones, impact the course of your life. My mom always told me, "Do you want what is good, better, or best?" My stepdad, who feels more like my dad and deserves that title, has made me realize that things will never get done unless you put in the effort and time. I want to be more like him, in the sense that I want to not only make goals but conquer them and enjoy the journey it takes for me to get there. Watching my little sister and brother grow up has truly been such a blessing in my life. The older my sister gets, the more I realize how much she took after me and became a little mini me. I feel so overjoyed that I am her older sister and I can be there for her through her every heartbreak, success, or self-discovery. I can't wait to teach her what I've learned as a young girl and make sure that she knows her great worth sooner than I did. My little brother, even though he is the baby of the family still trying to figure things out, has taught me to enjoy every little moment in life. He is still so young in my mind, and probably will be my whole life, but he has always had this bright spirit and has filled our home with joy and laughter. 

    I think most people are aware of how different families can be, but a person can only ever deeply understand the family that they grew up with. If we take a moment to look outside of ourselves and try to learn about families we normally wouldn't think about, then we would learn to appreciate the influential role that each member of the family plays in the lives of all those around you. Even though families are so different, there is no perfect family. As long as family members are supporting and loving they will find a way to make things work out. Reach out to your family members, whether that means those who are directly related to you or not, and let them know the value that they bring to your life.