With the same person.
I only ever loved growing up as one of many children. Truly, I can’t recall one time of feeling cheated or deprived – of feeling like I might have more attention or more . . . anything were my siblings fewer in number. I only ever felt lucky. However, I know of several who have grown up in large families and not felt that way. Several who, of course, love their siblings but didn’t love the experience and have sworn to not have a large family themselves because they simply felt they didn’t get enough . . . I don’t know . . . attention from their parents? Opportunity? Love? I don’t know in what ways my personality might have differed from theirs, or in what ways our families functioned differently, so I can’t absolutely guarantee my kids will feel the same as I felt. I can’t be certain they will think this “big family” idea was a good plan. However, watching little Anders crawl (and now walk) around this house – surround by cheering for his every accomplishment, a chorus of “goodnights” and “good mornings”, a sibling at his beck and call – ready to do his bidding -- nearly every moment of every day; makes me think that, how ever my kids might later view their growing up years, there are certainly worse things that could happen to a person than being stuck in a family with a troop of siblings who adore you.
3 comments:
What a great post, sister. I think there were times occasionally that I felt a bit lost in the shuffle, but I think those were times when I was looking for something to be discontent about. I'm sure that if it wasn't that I was hiding and nobody was looking for me then it would be something else. But those were few and far between. Mostly I felt so lucky to have not just 2 parents but EIGHT older siblings who took such good care for me and loved me so much. I remember coming home from my first dance to have Chris and Aaron waiting up, somewhat frustrated that it was past 1am. Mom and Dad had gone to sleep. :) But it made me feel so loved. Then...not just the older siblings but the younger sisters who became my best friends and then the nieces and nephews and the endless amounts of love. We're so lucky. Your kids are so lucky! I sure hope mine feel that was as well.
Clearly I don't have any many siblings as you do, but I too never felt like I didn't get as much attention etc as my friends who had less siblings. I don't know what I'd do without Amber, and I have always loved having 4 little brothers to play with and help take care of. Personally, whenever I see families with only 1, 2 or even 3 children I can't help but honestly feel like that family is missing out. It's sad to see so many people wanting less and less children these days. Even Many of my friends who use to want big families now complain that it would be too much work or say how expensive it is to have kids. So I shall end my comment by saying that I think it is wonderful that you have such a big family and have brought so many children into your loving family. I'm lucky to have such great examples from my grandparents, to my parents, to my sister, to my aunts and uncles of the importance of families and all they sacrifice to bring more of these precious souls into this world.
Thanks Londi. That was a really sweet comment and meant a lot! Especially when I get lots more "Are you crazy??" Than compliments! So thank you!
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