What to me is completely normal is, to most, unheard of. What I take for granted, most people don't even know exists. I know, because I've heard it from countless friends who have been expose to my family for any amount of time.
I am part of an amazing legacy that began with my grandparents and their 16 children. It was my grandpa's last wish that his children, and their children, ad their children, would remain close. Close to Godm and close to each other. And we have.
I know of few families who have what I have. I know that at any time, day or night, I can call any one of a hundred people and have someone to pray for me, to listen to me, to laugh with me, cry with me, tell me when I'm being stupid. And they know it too!
That's not to say that we don't have drama. Any microcosm of people does. And we have more than our share. But, when push comes to shove (as it often does with such a large group!) we are there for each other. Aunts, uncles, cousins, second cousins, third cousins, fourth cousins. No exaggeration.
Which brings me to my microcosm within in the microcosm. My mama and her seven children. I can't imagine anything other than what I have. I can't imagine having brothers and sisters and living far away from them. My sister moved out of state for several years, and it threw us all off kilter. Gatherings weren't as sweet without the three of them. It left a gaping hole. My husband and I moved away to Denver for a blink, and I almost suffocated outside of the loving crush of my family.
You would think that with 43 people in my immediate family, we wouldn't miss when one or two doesn't show up. And sometimes we don't, until we have them back, and it's glaringly obvious that we are whole again, even if just for that all too brief gathering.
And talk about drama! We've got more drama than an afternoon soap opera! Especially since the majority of my siblings are girls, and there's even one brother who could probably pass for a sister. And, no, I'm not talking about the brother who likes $80 face cream!
There's nothing I'd rather do than spend the afternoon with all of them. Brother's, sisters, (in-laws included!), nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews. I thrive. It's like air to me. To all of us. It's healing. And without it, we all begin to wilt and fade, like a flower that needs to be watered.
Unique. At times, a pain in the ass. Wonderful. Sustaining. My Family.
Mama Fran John John Stephanie John-boy Ashlynn Shellie Luciano Audrie Erik Scott Melanie Tom Jackie Heather Thomas Nicole Courtney Dougie Emma Kimberly Ally Jelena Jeremy Rebecca Debbie Leo Will Joseph Katie Doug Denise John Mattie Dom Mark Meghan Michaela Nicole David Jakob Alex
And countless Brown's, who are too many to name, but as much a part of the legacy as I!
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