I've been thinking a lot lately about the different people that have made me who I am. Although many people look at a "broken" family as heartbreaking and only bad, I'm quite pleased with the way mine has turned out. Because of this, I am blessed enough to have 5 parents in my life (7 if you include my wonderful in-laws), and was able to grow up with 5 siblings, despite being an only child. I am special to have so many influences in and on my life.
Mommy- I am most like my mom. She was a very integral part of my upbringing. We are extremely close. Just the other day, I equated us to the Gilmore Girls. I have her hair, slender build, and fast metabolism. I learned her love for the small things in life, desire for "adventure", and savvy shopping skills. I was cursed with her migraines and poor vision. I have a strong love for crafts that I know was fostered by her constant attitude of, "I can make that, why buy it?" I constantly try to be wonder woman, like her (she does cool things like sew formal gowns and replace transmissions), but rarely accomplish it. I learned to be extremely nit picky from my mother, but yet, strangely have her terrible habit for clutter. Mom understands me more than any other person has ever, or will ever, understand me.
PaPa- My father, not my grandpa. Most of my upbringing was living 10 hours away from my PaPa, but filled with the typical divorce child shuffle. We did not always understand each other, but he always loved me. I have his eyes, short build, and maybe his nose (jury's still out). I have an extreme love for music that undoubtedly came from my PaPa. Drums move my soul as a result of his intense love for them. He gave me my talent for singing and a unique creativity. We are both strong willed and tender hearted. We take pride in our individuality, and are both attention seekers. Like him, I think critically and like to question the "why's" of life. Over the years, we've grown closer, and I enjoy where our relationship has finally taken us.
Robert- My incredible step-dad. The first time I ever met him, I told my mom to marry him. I made her a wedding ring out of paper. I may have only been 7, but I knew he fit in our lives. Robert introduced me to country music and Billy Ray Cyrus. He was my silent ally when Mom was being insufferable. From Robert, I learned quirkiness (quirky things are my fave!), and a belief (shamefully) in conspiracy theories. He taught me to think for myself. He is constantly researching, studying, questioning. I'm incredibly thankful for this. When I believe something, it's because I believe it. Not because someone told me to believe it. Lastly, Robert gave me brothers. He came into our lives, and gave me 2 brothers. Eventually, this brought me a sister-in-law and I became an Auntie of 3!
Terry- I met Terry when I was 3 or so, along with her two daughters, and eventually, baby boy. Terry married my PaPa many years later. She was my surrogate mother when I "became a woman" (i.e. started my period), something no girl wants to go through without a woman's help and support. She taught me her love for musicals, a taste for healthy foods (which I truly believe is an acquired tasted), and the "S-Curve" (a pose she learned in modeling school to make your body look long and thin in photos). Unfortunately, aside from a yearly birthday call or Christmas gift, Terry and her kids are not much a part of my life anymore. But, they will always hold a place in my history.
Nore- Nore married my dad just about 2 years ago. She is sweet and loving. Although I haven't had much opportunity for her to mold me in any way, here's what I believe she will teach me in the years to come:
Unselfish love for my husband. Need I say more? What better lesson could I be taught? Oh, and she taught me that a boiled egg and swiss cheese is really good in a sandwich. MMM
My In-Laws- Although they did not raise me, they love and care for me like their own. Among the many things I cherish about them, one thing trumps all. We were all eating out, Brandon, his parents, brother and I. I remember just watching them laugh and talk. I was struck. This family actually loves each other! Of course, my family LOVES each other. But, I just didn't realize you could actually fall in love, get married, have kids, and still just love each other. To me, divorce, was not desirable, but just normal This family rarely fights and they are incredibly close. I realized then, that what I hoped I could have, was actually possible.
Man! I'm one blessed girl.
