Blood’s thicker than water, we know that.
My friends and I were sitting around my dorm room last week when my roommate got the news that her aunt was engaged. As you can imagine, this sparked conversation about our weddings- however far away they may be. We debated what dress we would wear, the ideal venue, our perfect husband (still yet to be determined), and our guest list. That’s when it hit me, there’s no small wedding in my future because my family alone would fill any chapel’s quota.
My dad is one of five and my mom is one of six, which, put simply, calculates to a hell of a lot of cousins. They’re scattered across the United States and I’ve come to learn that it’s the greatest blessing I could ever have.
Though we all may be at different stages of our lives, some married with kids and some still in high school, there’s an undeniable connection that we have to one another.
Always somewhere to travelOne of the greatest perks of having a large family is that there’s always somewhere to travel. I can assure you that no one will welcome you into his or her home quite like your family, and there’s nowhere that you’ll feel so comfortable. Not to mention the unspoken expectation that whenever you’re in their area you have to look them up. *Forewarning to anyone visiting close to me, I better get a call*
Holidays are never boringWith a big family, every get-together is like a reunion. Though we’re all guilty of getting caught up in own lives, when holidays or milestones (weddings, births, etc.) roll around there’s always so much to catch up on.
EntertainmentEvery family has that one very questionable member. Whether it’s the aunt that always seems to have one too many glasses of wine or the cousin with bizarre and outrageous stories, things are guaranteed to stay interesting.
Cultural differencesChances are if you have a big family, they’ve moved to different parts of the US or even the world. You’re bound to learn something new if that’s the case. I, for instance, had my first experience eating crawfish and gumbo just last year. Don’t worry; I won’t start saying “y’all” anytime soon.
Diverse life perspectivesWhile in college we are usually surrounded by our peers, so it’s refreshing to spend Thanksgiving with people of all different ages. Having friend trouble? Guy drama? Doubts about your career choice? That’s when you can turn to an older cousin or family member that’s *gasp* made it through. …Just when you thought hope was lost.
BabiesWho doesn’t love babies? With a new one born what seems to be every month, you actually have an excuse to stop and look at those little onesies when you pass by them in the mall.
Reminiscence unearths the greatest storiesSure, Mom and Dad I did throw a party when you went away for the weekend. But Uncle Bobby told me about the rager you had in high school, so don’t even try to ground me.
Always someone there for youLet’s face it; family is the greatest support system out there. As much as you might not admit it right now, these are the people that will drop it all when you need them.
So cheers to the next family reunion!!