I'm 14-years-old, in the pre-cell phone era, and a boy calls me for the first time. My ultra protective 16-year-old brother answers, scares him to death, and the boy never calls again.
Welcome to life in a big family.
When the movie "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" was released, my cousins and I saw an eerie resemblance with the characters in the film and our family. I myself come from a "Big Fat Lebanese Family" consisting of 50 first cousins, all first generation Americans, on my mother's side alone ?N all of whom reside in the Buffalo region.
Privacy is something I have only known in theory, but I have come to realize that with every positive gift there is a negative. Fortunately for me, the blessings have always outweighed the minor annoyances, like never having my own room.
As the third child among six children, I have had the benefit of being able to turn to my older sister and brother, while being able to guide my younger brothers and sister.
When we were younger, we fought over the dumbest things. Anything would set us off. My brothers ripping my Barbies' heads off or not letting me play basketball. My younger sister following me around all the time, or my older sister not letting me follow her around. My brother playing Nintendo when I really wanted to watch my favorite show.
We grew up in what we called "the triangle." My grandparents, with my young aunts and uncles, lived across the street. In the house next door lived another aunt and uncle with their children. Every one else was within a ten-minute drive. Talk about lack of privacy. That fateful phone call was only the half of it.
It was, however, a constant party. Everyone's house was always open. At night, my cousins, neighbors, siblings and I often played kick ball or hide and seek. Often times my mother cooked dinner for an army of people: pizza, steak hoagies, or her famous Lebanese dishes. After a six-hour day together, we still never had enough when it came time to leave and would beg for a spontaneous sleep over. When our parents refused, the cries would begin.
Photos show us vacationing together in Florida, Jamaica, San Diego and Toronto. My dad and brothers recently opened a family restaurant, Pete's Greek Isles, which has become a family affair. I waitress part time, and my cousins often visit during breaks or lunch.
My three incredible best friends are my cousins. Our memories overlap. They have been by my side through every phase of my life: we have crawled together, walked together, worn the same matching dresses, witnessed each other's first loves, and endured tragedies and heartbreaks.
When our grandfather died, we brought each other through it. Although we were young, I can remember talking to each other about our favorite memories with him. Encouraged by our parents, we even prayed together. When I was in the Miss. New York pageant last year, they were my biggest fans.
And Sunday, May 13 we will walk across the stage together at the commencement ceremony, our parents watching with pride. Although we may miss our mutual breaks together at Starbucks, I'm sure we will find a new place to give and take each other's advice.
As I reflect upon the gifts I have been given ?N a large, loving family who are my biggest supporters ?N I can't help but give thanks to God.
When I was a child my mother gathered all six of us into her bedroom every evening before we went to sleep to pray the rosary together. "We pray for the sick, the dead, the dying, the hungry, the homeless, and peace on earth," she repeated. It never felt like a chore.
Praying together as a family kept us close. As adults, I know that my siblings and I will always preserve this special memory as our most precious gift. Our mother taught us that through the power of prayer and the closeness of family, the sky is the limit.
From this powerful tool, I have been able to maintain self-discipline. Much like a soldier carries his sword I carry my rosary. It brings me support, confidence, and is a reminder to embrace the family I have been so blessed with.
I challenge you to hold your family and friends dear to your hearts, and to find your sword ?N whatever it may be.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
