Family

“Family as I See It”

            The first thing that comes into mind with family is life; it is how life is sustained. Without some sort of family to be proud of you, or where you can be proud of them, life is then incomplete. Especially on a couple different occasions when my family has came to my rescue. Family opens their arms with support and guidance without having to ask them for it. Furthermore, I truly believe I wouldn’t be here today without my family’s unconditional understanding. Family speaks the truth, no matter if you want to hear it or not. Family breeds history, with our past linage where we came from. Lastly, family is complicated, but very easy to see through the lines most of the time.

            A major regret in my personal family life is that I’m yet to start a family of my own. Although, someday is never out of the question? However, my brother on the other hand has three beautiful kids, ages 6, 11 and 14.  He has single handedly kept the family tree line going for the Hansen blood line. In my family, I have one living grandparent left, she is my amazing grandmother. She still tells everyone that no matter how old or busy you get in life, make time for your family. You never know how long they will be around. She continues to preach, even though we hear it every time we see her?

            Growing up in a broken family, moving all over the place, going to different schools and meeting new people were huge struggles. Somehow in each of these new and old families that came and went, one thing was always in common, “Love.” My father was a man that didn’t show much affection, but somehow we always knew when he really cared and loved us. When the words don’t even have to be spoken, they can just be heartfelt is true family love. The major heartache in my family was; having to move away from your step siblings that you grew up with for a large part of your life. Till this day, I haven’t seen a step brother of mine for more than sixteen years!

            Family holidays are the moments I really cherish and look forward to each year. The cameras come out; the memories spill off everyone’s tongues, the pictures and videos are brought back in action and the tears start rolling down faces. Birthdays also seem to bring out mixed emotions. The older you get gives you bit of a complex, but at the same time you are more mature. My family is spread thin over central and southern California, yet somehow we all find ways to keep close. My brother and his family, which moved out to Colorado in 2006, still manage to get back to California for holidays and special occasions.

            I have a “Motto” that I live by that coincides with family. It stays in your mind and keeps you on the right track for sure. It goes like this, “If you can’t do something on camera for your family to see at some point and time then you shouldn’t do it at all.” I have kept out of many issues and countless troubles with this thought process. Family is very important to me, more than ever now that I have recently been divorced. I am looking forward to my upcoming birthday and holidays with the family more than any other year. Here’s to a blessed family!