Family

           Many people have different definitions as to what a family is. For me a family is a loving support system that you can always count on. I'm not saying that things are always perfect. There are fights, disagreements, and, you do bump heads every now and then. The thing that binds everything is the unconditional lovethat just comes from being a family.
           Throughout my life I have had my childhood years, my not so smart years, my growing up years, and now. In my not so smart years I bumped heads a lot with my father. He was in the military at the time so he was always very strict and punctual. I remember times I thought I would never talk to him again. I thought he didn't understand, and he should just let me do what I wanted. Obviously, I was very stubborn and hard headed that is why we clashed at times; I get it from him. Now that I look back I wonder how he put up with my attitude. What was I thinking? Not just that my mother had to go through the fighting and trying to stay neutral. I can honestly say that was definitely unconditional love.
           As I got older I started to see things a little better. My family and I had our moments and my brother was now getting onto his not so smart years. Through it all we managed to stay a tight family. Despite all the arguments I always knew that my parents and brother loved me very much, as did I. My father suffered through a stroke and we were all very worried. It was hard because he was always so tough. The doctors said that he wouldn't be able to walk again. It took some time a few months but he did it. We all really came together and through love, support, and prayer we got through it. Today my father walks, runs you wouldn't know that he had a stroke. That moment I really saw how blessed I was to have my family.
           Now I am a mother and I have a family of my own. I now see so clearly why my parents told me the things that they did. I see why they didn't let me do what I wanted and go where I wanted. I am so grateful that they cared that much to say no. When I see my son now he is not even two yet but I am worried. I wonder what will I do when he gets older? I'm glad that I can look back and see that it won't be the end of the world when he gets mad at me. It will still hurt when we fight I'm sure but I'm not trying to be cool; I'll just try to be a mom. I love my family and it is only growing. My husband is so loving and his family is great. I am so happy to have such a strong family and no matter what there will always be unconditional love.