“I don't care how poor a man is; if he has family, he's rich.”

“I don't care how poor a man is; if he has family, he's rich.”

Abby v.


To some, this particular junction of words may have no particular applied meaning. It is simply a statement expressing one man’s marvel at the treasure one can find amidst his own family. How cliché. However, this distinct quotation, a collection of words arranged by the poet Dan Wilcox and the actor Thad Mumford, somehow seems to harbor not only a unique sense of my appreciation, but also an unjustified sense of realization. I’ve always been aware of the impact my family had on my life, but I suppose I had always just taken it for granted, as many of us do. This being the case, becoming conscious of the happiness that my family provides me is an overwhelmingly hypocritical moment. I am aware that, as much rapture that I receive from being around such supportive and loving people, it isn’t as simple as appreciating your family all the time. As much as I can explain how much my family means to me, how fun it is to hear my younger sister Olivia’s obnoxious cell phone vibration and the increasing decibels of my little brother Danny’s Xbox; I think we can both safely assume that it is completely untrue. However much I do love them, I am most likely annoyed by them 100 times more, as is any teenager in the beginnings of high school. Maybe I’m even underestimating the bitterness a person can feel towards his family in restriction to children, when in fact everyone feels this way. Who is there to say they never get annoyed by their family occasionally, if not more? I know I have never in my life met anyone who had never felt a sort of virulent resentment towards a certain member of their family. As the saying goes, one loyal friend is worth ten thousand relatives. As humorous as this saying may be, I think we all are aware of the truth behind this statement; however we may try to hide it. No one here is a member of the Brady Bunch after all. Although they may make us feel like ripping some hair out or graduating early, I feel that without the faults and fights to cause some discord amongst us, it makes it that much more meaningful to feel the sense of unity and unconditional love when the arguments cease. A family’s imperfections add to their amazing ability to eventually put the differences aside and come together simply for the fact that they are amalgamated by bloodlines and genes. It requires an immense amount of love to have the power and self discipline to be able to instinctively stand behind and support someone that has the capability to cause you so much frustration. And for this sole reason, being a family is the closest bond and the fiercest devotion a person can feel for another person. To some, a family exists for the soul reason of torture, or a punishment due to karma. A mom to roll eyes at, a dad to ignore, and a brother and sister to fight with, whenever the need arises. Others notice the optimistic side of being a part of something more significant than yourself. A mom to talk to, a dad to learn from, and a brother and sister to unite with when necessary. Our family is constructed purely for the benefit of making each other complete and well-rounded people, with some hostility and merciless lessons in the process. However, despite the differences and hardships of belonging to someone other than yourself, I believe that those burdened with a brother to laugh at and a sister to receive pain from, are surprisingly lucky. I feel so infinitely blessed to have such a perfectly dysfunctional family to call my own, and I am so glad that I can never get rid of them.