Taken for granted

               Sometimes It is taken for granted the fact that a lot of the people I love the most live very close. I am so lucky to have the support of so many people always surrounding me. I do have a few relatives that live a state or two away, but I still get to keep in touch with them more than most family’s do. I love getting to visit my family a lot because I just feel so complete with them. I always wonder what it would be like if I moved away from all of my family members. It would hard to be the same person I am today; they keep me strong and honest with myself.

               Also having family so near makes holidays a lot easier and simpler, we can focus more on each other than the traveling and just trying to open our schedules so we can drive or fly places far away. I love holidays because usually all of my family can make it, it just feels partial without all of them there to celebrate some of the most important days that we should all be together.

               When it is all said and done I know if I ever have a breakdown or know I made a bad mistake and I just need someone to talk to, there is always an aunt or uncle or cousin or grandma and grandpa that is 20 minutes away at the most. Being able to see them all the time has strengthened my relationship with all of them making it easier to know that you are always worth something to all the people that love you.

               It is taken for granted because ever since I was born there were always family members going in and out of the house and we were always visiting as well. I grew up with someone always coming to see how we were doing. I was so lucky to have people wanting to be there as I grew up.

               If you are having a hard time with life the best thing you can do is build a close relationship with someone whether it is a family member or a friend. I know from my childhood and present life that having such good contact with people I love made an impact on how I live my life and how much I really do enjoy my life.

               If you do have family members that live close by and you never visit because you are afraid that you will have nothing to do (especially if there is a big age difference) the best thing to do is just talk. You will be surprised by just asking them a few questions how you will receive a well-rounded conversation. Most of the time, especially if it’s a grandparent, they just want to know how you are doing and what you have been up too. Another great way to spend time together, especially at family reunions, if you have a musical family tell everyone ahead of time to bring an instrument and then you can have a jam session, play some oldies that you know because everyone knows those song no matter what generation, and if they don’t then they can just sway along or sing background hums. I think this is a great way to become closer because it makes everyone one big group, and often the words in the songs can relate to some of the people, giving them something to talk about and you might learn some interesting stories about your family that you never thought possible. (601)

Danni N.