Family

My Family

     I suppose the first thing I can say about this family is that we are not like any other family out there. My family has gone through too much struggles and hardships and even up until now, we still are struggling to hold on to it. Believe me, those who really know me will definitely agree. However, I still love my family very much. Despite all their faults, each of them have their own special qualities that has kept my love for them going.

     My father, now 45 and a high school graduate only, is not the best father around. I have seen fathers who are ten times as better. Even if he's not perfect, my father still loves us very much. He may not show it and his actions may prove otherwise, but deep down in my heart, I believe that he does. Overall, my dad has never left us nor abused us unlike some fathers out there. Whenever we needed money or a ride to the school or the mall, he'll willingly take us with no complaints. If we were sick, he'd take care of us. My father doesn't complain about the money that he spends on us, for he believes money can't compare to keeping his children happy. My father and I never really had a close relationship. We don't talk about what happens in school or whom I am now dating. Nevertheless, there is an understanding between us that says we love each other very much. Action speaks louder than words in this case.

     As with my mother, who is also 45, she is the most gentle and selfless mother. For her children, she is willing to sacrifice her happiness. I have always been grateful to her for that. Of course, my mother does nag a lot. On the other hand, if she didn't nag, I would think my mother didn't care for me. My mother loves all of us very much. When I'm hungry, she'll cook for me. When I make a mistake, she'll forgive me. When I cry, she'll comfort me. When I fall, she'll help get me back on my feet again. And most importantly, when I'm happy, she'll be joyous with me. If there was one person who helped define unconditional love for me, that would be my mother.

     My elder sister, Cheryl, 22, has got to be the funniest sister. Her jokes never cease to make me laugh. But, that's not all that's good about my sister. She may be the black sheep of the family but she is good at heart. When I need a friend, she's always been there: a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen, and shelter when I feel weak. Cheryl never failed to amaze me with her strong will and courage. She may fall once in a while but she always helps herself back on her own feet. Being the most outgoing and independent daughter of us 3, Cheryl proved to be a responsible big sister. Her advice to me helped me to straighten my own life out, either about relationships or about family. I've always been proud of her and no matter what, I always will be.

     My second sister, ILLENE, 21, is the most conservative and moralistic among us 3 daughters. Perhaps that is why she's considered the most "ideal" woman. Illene is the maternal type. She cooks for us and takes care of us when we are ill. Most of the time, her innocence and gullibility can really make you laugh so hard. I have always been the closest to Illene. Whenever I needed a friend and someone to understand me, I run to Illene. Like Cheryl, Illene is also my shelter when I feel weak. While I admire Cheryl for her strong will, I admire Illene for her individuality. She holds strongly to her values and tries so hard not to go astray. She believes that she must serve as the role model for my baby brother and I and all I can say is, she is doing a wonderful job. When my parents cannot offer me the emotional support I need, Illene is usually the one to give it to me. She guides me to the right path whenever I lose my way. I believe that God gave me Illene as an inspiration and as a guardian angel. There is only one word that can describe Illene and that is... special.

     Of course, who can resist WESLEY, now turning 5. His cute face and hands, his funny speech, and just merely his presence just brighten up my day. He brought a lot of love and motivation in this family. One of my goals is to see my baby grow up and to see him successful in what he does. I know that his three sisters will try to keep him away from the hurt and the pain we had gone through when we were little. Wesley will grow up to be a really wonderful person.

     In my family, there have been more cries than laughter and more screaming than love. But we managed through it all. I know God will continue to pave the road for us and continue to bless this family until one day, the children of this family will no longer see tears falling and hear fights...but finally, laughter and so much love. Then we will have the one thing we never really had: a peace of mind.