Family

When I was younger, family was a HUGE part of my life.

I mean, as the oldest of 8 there’s little chance of being left alone. Sometimes I would wish to be older so I could have my own space. Where I could do my homework without my siblings barging in to do something silly. 

The house was never quiet - someone always doing something. Voices could be heard in the living room. Laughter would fill the bedrooms at night as we tried to go to sleep.  Our parents telling us to turn off the lights and settle down - all of these chaotic moments - created one big beautiful symphony. 

Now we’ve grown. The house is quieter. We talk to each other over phones as we navigate adulthood and this new journey we’re on. We’re older. I don’t have my sister in my room annoying me while I study for a test; I can’t always run to my sibling when I want to share a funny story. The house feels different.

But different is okay. I've come to realize that family is so much more than blood. We have a chance to expand that circle with the friends who will always be there for us. You get to know people who will have the biggest impact on your lives and, because of that, always have a connection with them.

 As for my family, we are part of each other’s lives whether we like it or not. When we get together I still hear that beautiful chaotic melody that played when I was younger. The house is no longer quiet. Voices fill the rooms and, for a time, I get to revisit my childhood.