I Believe in the Strength of Family

I believe in the strength of family. A strong family foundation can get you through anything, even your toughest trials. My family grew strong together as we endured and continue to endure our toughest trial. Through the experience we have learned the importance of family and strength.

When I was just five years old my dad passed away. My mom was left to raise two little toddlers on her own. Consequently, she devoted all of her time and energy into my little brother and I. She worked hard to provide for us as if we had two parents. My brother and I only had one person to rely on, my mom. As a result, the three of us grew extremely close.

While growing up, my brother and I began to realize things that we were missing out on from not having a father. We were both athletic and we lacked a father to support and cheer us on. I played softball and my brother played baseball and football. Mom was fully supportive and never missed a game but she didn’t have the ability to teach us the different sports and practice with us. She did everything that she could, but my brother and I felt that we still didn’t have it all.

My brother especially endured the consequences of not having a father. I think most would agree that the father influences the boy more while the mother influences the girl more. There is a special connection between a father and son just as there is between a mother and daughter. As other boys had a fatherly figure in their lives to set an example, my brother missed out on that. Most boys learn how to do “man work” such as fixing cars and building things. They also learn work ethic and respect for others through their father’s example. My brother had to figure all of these things out on his own.

My brother and I never fought like most siblings do. We were each other’s strength. As we were the only kids at our school without a father, we understood each other. We were best friends. My mom and I have always been close and I have always been able to talk to her about anything. I remember all of my friends being jealous of the relationships I had with my mom and brother. It was natural to me though, for they were my foundation.

Eventually, we got use to the fact that we were never going to have what other kids have. My mom got used to the idea that she would never be able to provide us with everything a father could provide us with. We became strong from these realizations. As a family we grew to understand how precious each of us were to each other. We never take each other for granted, but instead cherish one another.

As my family has grown strong we have come to see that we do have it all. Just because my family is a little different from the traditional family, it doesn’t mean that we aren’t whole. We are not lacking something but rather have gained close relationships with each other that many do not have. My mom and my brother are my best friends. My family is strong. This I Believe.