If you grew up in a fairly large family like I did, then you would know how awesome it was to have family gatherings and huge parties. Everyone came from different cities just to hangout with each other and enjoy the long-overdue company. No matter where you lived, everyone was willing to take the hour long journey just to come celebrate your 5th birthday because that was something you just couldn't miss. I loved my family and I loved those times more than anything in the world. Except..nobody warned me that would all become a thing of the past once you hit the age of 17.. if that..
My family in Connecticut (my father's side) have been MIA from my life events for a few years now. They just never seen events in my or my brothers life very important after 10 years old. We used to love visiting each other but after realizing my worth with them, I decided to skip out on some of their family events that we break our necks over. I know, I know..might sound immature. But I was the only one in my family to stick up for myself against them and how I feel they take family for granted. So if they can see that "hey again, she stood up for herself and we should think about actually making some of her life events for once". My cousins from that side are my besties though. Whenever we're together, it's like we never skipped a beat. I mean me getting old and all, it's hard to see them all grown up as well.
It just sucks getting older though, because more and more of your family starts to get busy being old enough to work or have other plans with friends that get de-prioritized. It's so sad to see my family skipping out on my brothers college graduation..the first family member to graduate from college...just because of some petty reason. We are family..you make fucking time. My uncle drove from Virginia risked his life (his health hasn't been the best for a couple months now) to come and see my brother graduate and I will forever be grateful to have family like that in my life.
For my 18th birthday, I think, I cried when my family surprised me a few days after my birthday. I ran to my aunt and cried in her arms telling her how I missed her so much. I've never felt that kind of emotion in my life.
As we all get older, I understand 'it's easier said than done', but if you really cared about someone you would try your absolute hardest to make sure they know you're there for them. As the years pass on, I believe my family has started to slowly realize that and that's why we are making more life events, but there is definitely room for improvement.
It's an amazing quality to have..the ability to put others before yourself. And that's why I make sure to take off for most of my boyfriends drift events or switch shifts with my coworkers to make sure I can make it to his paintball practice. Or that I have time to take my little brother to the park. Because the more you are around for them, the more they see you made a huge effort to be apart of their lives and they will always be grateful for that. Well, at least I am.
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