A family that sticks together, stays unbreakable!

When was the last time you went on a family trip? When was the last time you hugged your parents and told them how much you loved them? Or when did you thank your sibling for always being there for you? A famous saying goes, “A house is made of bricks, but a home is made of families.” I completely agree with this quote. Reason? It reminds me of the people who have stood by me in my most difficult times of life. The same people who scold me if I have done anything wrong and will then do anything to bring back a smile on my face. I can’t imagine my life without them- my family! I didn’t realize the value of my household members until an incident changed my life forever and made me believe in the significance of togetherness.

Do not let go of each other even during tough times!
Image source: http://www.juxtapost.com/

Six years ago, when I was in junior college, I loved hanging out my close circle of friends. My family disliked the fact that I would always try to find excuses to avoid being with my cousins and never attend any of the family functions. I never understood the need and importance of spending time with them. Who wants to attend boring birthday parties of cousins? I would keep thinking that to myself because I was extremely stubborn. When there was a five-day college trip to Shimla, my parents objected to it. They didn’t permit me to travel. They didn’t want me to go alone without them. They were just afraid! I am sure those who come from conservative families with overprotective parents will agree to what I am trying to convey. I ended up having a bitter fight with them. Even my brother who would always support me, surprisingly took my parents side this time. We argued the entire day.

They decided that in order to cheer me up, we (my parents, my elder brother, and I) would be going to a resort on the outskirts of the city. I cried and pleaded! I didn’t want to travel anywhere with them. It would be a boring trip for sure. But mom kept assuring me that the journey would be an exciting one and that I should look at it with optimism. She explained that if I would look at it negatively, then no matter how hard I tried to please myself, I would never enjoy. To cheer me up further, my parents promised that they would gift a new pair of shoes to me for my dance competition that was going to be held two weeks later. The greed for the shoes drove me towards going out on a hike with them. I was still restless to get back soon and spend time with my friends.

A road trip with your family can help you discover each other better!
Image source: http://apassportaffair.com/2014/08/13/miami-key-west-drive/

We drove by car for 73 kilometres. Dad on the driver’s seat, mom beside him, and my brother and I made ourselves comfortable on the passenger seat. It was a long journey. During the trip, mom unpacked the tiffin boxes in which she had wrapped some delicious home-made sandwiches and freshly baked muffins. (All moms love packing home-cooked food for outdoor trips, don’t they?) My brother and I gobbled them up like hogs, and we all broke into laughter. My parents found it hilarious because it was the first time that my brother and I weren’t fighting but happily enjoying the journey. We all chatted, cracked jokes, and narrated tales about our individual lives. Dad spoke about his childhood stories. He told us how he was a naughty kid at school and would steal mangoes from his aunt’s trees and then get punished for it. Mom told us tales of how she used to live in her small house with her joint family, when she was a little girl. The kids would eagerly await their favourite show on Doordarshan. If they scored high grades in their studies, they would get treated with sweet-and-sour pickles. Mom missed those days but was loving the time she had got to spend with her new family, us!

The beautiful resort!
Image source: http://blessingsonthenet.com/hotels/contactinfo/satya-resort/1227

When we reached the resort, we kept our bags in the cottage rooms and then headed out for a stroll around in the lovely gardens. There were many families who were having a hearty time together. The place was beaming with different swimming pools, greenery, a small farm, and a rain dance corner. Dad, bro and I immediately changed into our swimming costumes and dived into the pool. We swam while mom happily watched from a distance and kept cheering us. While getting out of the pool, unfortunately, I slipped on the floor, fell on my face and twisted my leg. My jaw started bleeding profusely while the pain in the leg was excruciating. I began to feel dizzy on seeing my blood. My folks immediately rushed to me and called for a first-aid kit. Mom applied the medicines, and dad held on to me while my brother kept running around crazily asking me if we needed to call a doctor. Though the bleeding stopped, the pain was unbearable. I felt disappointed and kept cursing myself for the fall. But, my parents did their best to motivate and cheer me up. Just because I could not attend the rain-dance session, they too stayed back and decided to play a game of cards with me.

Families teach us how to be optimistic and stick together through tough times!
Image source: http://www.examiner.com/article/

They were determined to lift my spirit. I sulked the entire return journey because deep down, I realized that I had been selfish while my folks sacrificed their happiness just to ensure my safety and happiness. The dates of the dance competition was around the corner. I wasn’t sure if I would be ready by then. I had decided to pull my name off the contestant list. But my parents disagreed. They arranged for a physiotherapist who helped me get well soon. Looking at their determination, I was optimistic about a speedy recovery. I kept assuring myself, that come what may, I have to participate and win. Honestly, I believe it wasn’t the physiotherapy exercises but the earnest love and support from my family that helped me recover back to normalcy.

Though in the end, I received the runner’s up trophy, I still felt like a winner. I won the most precious gift that life had bestowed upon me. My family! Even when I think about this incident now, tears of joy pour from my eyes. How can a family be so loving and caring? No one has ever made me feel so special, not even my friends! None but my folks!

Spending quality time with each other is a must!
Image source: http://www.examiner.com/article/the-family-that-eats-together-stays-together

Today, I would like to tell you that if you are blessed with a family, take out time from your busy schedules and be with them. Try to have a family dinner together or go out for a vacation or movie. Or just sit together and communicate, you will realize that even if the world conspires against you, your family will always be there for you. And no obstacles can ever hinder your path when you are together with the people who are your world. Think about it!

Stand by together and don’t ever lose your loved ones. There is nothing more treasurable than them.

Together you can achieve your goals and dreams…

Together you can live in happiness! 🙂

For more such inspiring stories on togetherness and optimism, visit, https://housing.com/.