Family!

I often think about how my life would have turned out without family, my family in particular!

As my parents take the time to full fill their dreams and travel Australia us siblings are left to take care for one another. That may mean a 30 seconds phone call or a 60 minute one but we do it anyway!

It’s how it should be, but to be honest isn’t how it is these days. More often than not as a teacher and a person who looks after the needs of those in the most vital of age groups this family circle is not present.

The support of a phone call, a jibe, a moment or a time when all can laugh with each other, even when times are tough, is and seems to be a thing of the past. It’s heartbreaking every time I hear ‘I can’t speak to my parents’ or ‘they would we understand’ or even ‘please don’t tell them’.

Where has this disconnect happened? What has caused it?

I am so thankful for those daily conversations whether it be 30seconds or 60minutes. The laughs, the vulnerability and the tears of laughter and joy of every moment of those shapes me as a person, every time.

Family is the centre of it all, truly!

I thought, how can I explain how important family is without putting a personal spin on it. Well here goes!

Life for me and my now 17 year old daughter has been one of many challenges and successes.

My little family has been through divorce,abuse and suicide and each and every time the only people we could call on, and trust, was family. Whether it be at 4pm or 3am they were there.

Just a conversation tonight with my amazing sister, who blows my mind with the person she is, was we are here. If a family member, despite maybe sometimes not chatting everyday, sent an SOS we would be there. at the drop of a hat we would all be there!

A simple voicemail to my brother and the message he sent was ‘are you okay?’

There is nothing like family!

To those who find family hard, remember you cannot choose your family, but they are your family. I am so very lucky with mine but it takes work. It is not like it is without forgiveness, time and yes let’s face it negotiation.

I can tell you though, every moment you spend on your family is worth it as the return is immense!

Trust, forgiveness and empathy mean the world!