What Does Family Mean to Me? - Ella Servadio

“Family is not an important thing. It’s everything (Michael J. Fox).” Family means different things to everyone, but, to me, family is everything. In every aspect of life, my family is there. Family is a special bond and a long-lasting relationship. That bond is there from the time you were born until you die, but things families do for each other make the bond even stronger and more special.
Family means friendship. The first person one turns to in times of trouble, pain, happiness, or sadness is family. Something as simple as your dad teaching you how to ride a bike and how to play a sport, or your mother sitting in your room with you listening to whatever you have to say shows the friendship among family. When you were little, and you were outside playing with your siblings or cousins; you were creating a friendship, even if you did not realize it. Your siblings taking up for you when you get in trouble shows the friendship among brothers and sisters. Baking cookies and dying Easter eggs with your grandmother develops a friendship between the two of you. The friendship between family is one of the closest friendships you can have.
Family is love and acceptance. Family always accepts you for who you are. Family does not judge you. It does not matter if you like different things than they do, they accept you. They accept every decision you make, regardless if they think it is not the right one. Family accepts all of your friends, regardless of race, gender, or beliefs. Family accepts everything you do because they love you.
The love a family shows is the biggest and best kind of love. Parents find ways to go above and beyond for their children, simply because they love them and want to give them everything they possibly can. Grandfathers showing up to watch you in any activity you participate in is a way of showing their love toward you. Grandmothers cooking your favorite meal on your birthday or taking you shopping is a way of showing love toward you. It does not matter what you do, your family will always love you and accept you.
Most importantly, family is encouraging. Whether it be making good grades in school or excelling in a sport, your family is there to tell you that you are doing great. When you want to give up, they are there to tell you to keep going. Even though my whole family encourages me, my grandmother is the most encouraging. Anytime I talk to her about how hard school is, she always says, “I know it is hard right now, but it will be worth it in the end. I’m proud of you, keep working hard.” My family members are the most encouraging people in my life. No matter how hard of a time I am having, I know that I have encouraging family in my corner, and, to me, that is the most important meaning of family.
I can not imagine living without my family. They are my shoulder to cry on, my favorite people to laugh with, and so much more. They are more than just aunts, uncles, grandparents, parents, and siblings; they are my very best friends. They are everything. They are so encouraging and accepting toward me, and they are always there if I am having a hard time. The bond I have with my family is unlike any other bond.