Being from a big family is really neat! There is really no other way to explain my family other than, we're a really big, ass family!!! (And this post is actually talking about my mom's side of the family. My dad has a pretty big family too...he's one of eight and I have lots of cousins on his side too.) And like my dad, my mom is one of eight. So I have 5 aunts and 2 uncles on my mom's side...all of which are married. The grand total of us grandkids is 16! And so far, there are 6 great grandchildren...although that number will grow exponentially with time. So there is no such thing as a small family function....just our family alone is 44 people!
It was never more apparent that I had the most amazing family as when my grandfather died. Although it was a very sad time, it was also an amazing experience of all of us coming together to keep watch over him until he passed away. We totally took over the family room at the hospital, had food delivered, brought in blow-up mattresses or snuck into empty hospital rooms to sneak some sleep while we were camped out for the weekend, even brought in some wine! When my grandpa finally passed, the priest who led us in prayer after he died said he had never seen a family come together as we did. That's just what we do!
And we are fun...really, really fun! As I have gotten older I come to appreciate my family even more. I guess that's normal. Right now I have cousins who are in their teenage years who probably don't appreciate our family just yet. It took until I was older to really appreciate what it means to be from a big loving, accepting, caring, fun, happy family! I can literally count on them for anything!
I guess there are some downsides to having such a close family. My mom has 5 sisters...so they talk...A LOT!!! So that means there are virtually no secrets. I am pretty sure when I told my mom I was pregnant for the first time and asked her not to tell anyone yet since I was really only like one minute pregnant, I think it took about an hour before my first aunt called to congratulate me! I sometimes feel sorry for the girls who are marrying into this family. I don't think they know what this really means for them...but they'll find out soon enough. And they'll get used to it just like the rest of us! I think when I call to tell my mom I am pregnant again, I might just set up a conference call so they can all hear at once!
I know my grandparents are extremely proud of the legacy they have left behind. I mean, they would definitely be happier if we all went to church and probably prayed a little more, but overall, I think they'd be pretty damn proud of us! They taught us the meaning and the importance of family. We are continuing what they started and I know they are both looking down from heaven with big smiles when we all get together.
Here's a picture from my cousin Meghan's wedding last month. I think this includes everyone except my uncle Garry and all the great grandkids. There is no denying that we are one big, ass family!
And here is a picture of me and my cousins...I love them all! We are all so unique, smart, talented, crazy, loving and fun! And as my Aunt Michelle says, we're all good looking! My sister Laurie is the oldest and Sarah is the youngest...and she's not even that young anymore! We recently all partied together at Meghan's wedding...and it was a blast! And a large chunk of us even hit the after-party together and it was awesome!!!
So to my family, I love you all...a lot! I wish we weren't so far away. Thanks for all the happiness, laughter and love you bring to my life! I look forward to our family continuing to grow in the years to come.
Go Cards!
Trish, such a lovely tribute to our family! You described us perfectly. We are so fortunate that we have each other. Like you I appreciate everyone more and more all the time. Thanks for writing this!
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