I Believe in Family

           “At the end of the day, we are family.”  I love my family, immediate and extended.  I couldn’t imagine never hearing my grandmother’s laugh, listening to my grandfather’s stories, or being with everyone at a large family dinner.  Not only are they my family, but also everyone else in my life is family.  To the friends in school, to the people I hang out with, to the people I live with.  A family relationship is the best relationship I would ever have with anyone.

            If you ask me why do I consider everyone family, is because I treated everyone with kindness and respect.  I want to be with people who I know will encourage, support and bring joy to me.  Which is what a family does for each other, in good or bad situations, they are always with you.  I knew I still have my family’s love and comfort, when I came out to them that I am bisexual.  Once I heard my family said, “We love you no matter what” my heart stopped, because I wanted to take in this moment of love and acceptance.  My family had been there through my struggles with dyslexia; my dad and aunt supported my grandmother when my grandfather was in the hospital for months; my mom and two aunt helped each other plan an anniversary party for my grandparents.  My family’s devotion toward each other is incredible.  Although we have our fits, we know we would remain united spiritually and emotionally.

            In regards to others outside my family, it works the same way.  Being with people who are caring and considerate toward me gives me the sense that everyone is a large family.  I knew I had a secondary family, when I attended Chartwell School.  From the understanding teachers to the students with similar situations, I knew not only with this school a safe haven, but a home.  A home where the parents (teachers) teaches and cares for their children (students) and would never let me be scared for being loved and being themselves.  On the other hand, I don’t need a home to have a family.  Once I know someone who will never harm me, that person is part of my family.  When I entered Santa Clara, I felt the warm welcoming atmosphere with people motivating me to trust and help others.  The people I met here are now and forever will be family to me.  Although I may never see them in the distant future, they will always be in my family.

            I believe family unites everyone.  Family is the universal symbol of trust, passion, care and joy.  Whether it’s at home, in school, or with my friends, everyone I meet, talk to, hangout with, or learn with is part of my family.  And they will always be in my family, because family is infinite.

So if anyone makes fun of my family, think twice before facing my family.