As a child, I idolized my parents and thought they could do no wrong. As a teenager, it seemed like they were intentionally trying to ruin my life when they were only trying to help. Now as an adult, I can’t imagine my life without them.
Over the years, I’ve learned that life is short and family is all that matters in the end.
No matter how many great friends you make in life, most will come and go, but family is forever. They will always be there to celebrate your accomplishments and serve as a shoulder to cry on during times of need.
While we don’t get to pick our family—though sometimes we wish we could—family is family.
It was during my first semester of college that I began to appreciate my family for who they are. It was the first time I was living on my own, hours away from loved ones. But even with the miles between us, my parents and grandparents were only a phone call or short drive away.
From that experience I learned every minute spent with them is precious. With our busy schedules, we miss golden opportunities to enjoy time with loved ones. We need to spend our time wisely, and with those we love. It could be something as simple as cooking together or playing catch in the backyard. Those simple moments in life form memories that will never be forgotten.
While we may get into quarrels with our close relatives, which could last for minutes or, sadly, years, we shouldn’t let petty arguments get in the way of family.
I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve fought with my mom about petty things like my early curfew, which seemed like the end of the world at the time, but a trivial matter in the grand scheme of things. I know now that she was only looking out for my best interest.
My family is far from normal, whose is? But it’s our imperfections that make us strong together. I hope when I have a family of my own that we love and support one another as much as my family has.