Big Family Small Family (Sisters or No Sisters)

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I have been working on this post for some time now not because I didn't know what my answer would be but because I couldn't focus on posting.  During the time that I have been trying to write this post, occurrences related to family have "riled me up" so to speak.  So now as a part of my release, I am writing the post that should have been posted at least a week ago.

 Background on me and my response to annoyance.  (Yes, bullet points)
  1. Review and assess => Was there something that I did or said to cause those words or actions?
  2. Talk it out => go through the situation with someone else (typically Jamie or Kenya)
  3. Determine resolution => Ignore/Respond
  4. Resolve => Take the action from number 3
  5. Release => Let go 

Now, don't get it twisted, this has not always been my response.  I used to play right into the annoyance and emotions.  Through growth and a lot of life, I am now able to tap into what is my core and respond accordingly.

So the question that I have been trying to respond to is this, "If you had been able to choose, would you rather have been an only child or part of a large family?"  I know you are wondering, how does the previous tie into this question.  Well, let me see if I can construct a bridge.

 I think when you are younger, you always want what appears to be better than what you have.  Living in a house with several people, at some point, your thoughts are 'I wish I had been an only child'.  I can honestly say I didn't have that thought TOO much (until I got a boyfriend :-) )  The reality is that I wasn't an only child and I can't change what my situation was.  As I look at my life, I know that some of the greatest things that I have learned about family, sisters, being a woman, being a friend, is due to having a larger family.  

 There was a period of time, maybe when I was between age 20 and 27, my sisters were the closest friends I had and we hung out at least once every week.  I do miss those times greatly and think of them often; but life had to move on.  Years later, I have grown nieces and nephews, added sisters, brothers, cousins and a BOATLOAD of capture moments.  It's partly because of the family that I have that I can now respond to varying things as mentioned above.  I have learned what's important to me and I intend to keep that at the forefront of my life at all times.

 Regardless of the disagreements, the distance, the lack of quality time, differing personalities, I love my family without a doubt.  The answer to the question: I would choose a large family.  While the answers may not be the same from others on either side of my family, I would still choose my family.

 I sure hope you didn't think my answer would be different.  :-)





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