You were constantly surrounded by aunts, uncles, first cousins, second cousins, yet it never seemed unusual. Big gatherings at least once a month where the street was overcrowded with vehicles, but the neighbors were so used to it that they'd even join in on the fun – that was the norm. Your best memories were made then, not just with a few people, but with everyone you truly loved.

I got lucky. My mother has four sisters, five brothers, and my father has two sisters and three brothers. That in itself is a lot. Then consider the cousins that came from all my aunts and uncles. So to say I have a big family is nowhere near an understatement. But here's why I am so blessed.

I grew up surrounded by love. I learned to be selfless, to be understanding, and to be thankful. Since there were so many different family members, I was constantly surrounded by an assortment of people. I witnessed struggles, achievements, and a variety of life choices. However, I also observed how regardless of the paths all my different family members took, there was a strong grounding to their beliefs and morals that was installed by their parents.

They have faith, and because of that, I am faithful. They have compassion, and because of that, I am compassionate. They believe family is everything, and because of that, my family is my everything.

I truly do not think I would be the women I am today if it was not for every family member I have grown up influenced by. Even in the darkest times, I witnessed the strength that my family encompassed that allowed us to persevere and grow.

I may not be extremely close with every single family member, because, let's face it, there are so many of us, and it's nearly impossible to build all those relationships. But there is a connection that I know I'll always have with each and every one of them, whether it's the taste of our grandma's cooking, or the annual white elephant game during Christmas Eve – the bond is almost effortless.

The best part about being apart of a big family is the constant desire to keep growing, and the acceptance we have for others to join in, blood related or not. At this point, the more the merrier, right?