A Vibrant Family: Love, Loyalty, and Connectedness in a North-Indian Household

Every family has its unique story, filled with love, loyalty, and a blend of challenges and joys. My family, a North-Indian one, is no exception. With seven members, we are a big family, though it's not a joint family. Our family is a mix of emotional depth, shared values, and diverse backgrounds. In this article, I will share ten interesting facts about my family that reflect the strong bonds we share.

Our Family Composition

Our family is comprised of seven individuals. Much to everyone's surprise, the eldest and the youngest members are males, while the four females in our family all share the letter 'Y' in their first names. This unique characteristic adds a unique charm to our family dynamics.

Food and Reading Loves

Our family is a true foodie family, with a particular love for South-Indian cuisine, despite our North-Indian background. All of us love to read, which further enriches our lives and ideologies. The books we read shape our perspectives and bring us closer together.

Special Bonding: Birthdays Across the Months

Each member of our family has a birthday in a different month, making it easier for us to celebrate together and share our unique moments. We've never had to huddle up during a single birthday month or worry about missing someone's special day because of different schedules.

Scattered but Close

Interestingly, our relatives are scattered across different states in India, as well as the world (Sri Lanka, France, Canada, UK, Switzerland, Germany). Despite our geographical dispersion, our bonds remain firm, strengthened by frequent visits and regular communication.

Extensive Family Tree

Our extended family is incredibly extensive. For instance, my father has three sisters, my mother has three sisters, and I have three sisters. Each of my three sisters also has three sisters, making for a complex but interconnected family tree. This coincidence emphasizes the strong familial ties we share.

Fatherly Love and Early Marriage

My father is a diligent man who wakes up early to prepare morning tea for my mother. This is a noteworthy change from what is commonly seen in other families, where the responsibilities often lie with the mother. Such roles within our family leave a warm, comfortable feeling and set a positive example for our younger family members.

Crazybut Loving Family

Among the other points, it is also essential to note that despite our occasional disagreements and arguments, we deeply love each other. We look out for each other, support each other financially, and always come together during times of fun and difficulty. It is the small, everyday moments that make our family dynamic so special.

Memorable Family Stories

My Maternal Grandmother: Born in 1918, she got married at the young age of 14 and sadly passed away at 72. She had seven children and the youngest passed away at the age of seven. This tale underscores the socio-cultural dynamics of the early 20th century. Aunt’s Early Marriage: My aunt, my mother's elder sister, got married at 16, a common practice in some parts of society during her time. It highlights the historical context of early marriages. Beloved Siblings: Like my maternal grandmother, I am the youngest of the three sisters, with the middle sister also sharing this parental choice. This shared experience binds us together. Family Abroad: Our family is spread out across the globe, with members in Sri Lanka, France, Canada, the UK, Switzerland, and Germany. This global presence keeps us connected through technology and personal effort. LTTE Connection: One of my cousin’s uncle’s daughter joined the LTTE organization, which fought for the creation of Tamil Eelam in Sri Lanka. This fact reflects the political and cultural influences on our family. Family Accidents: Another cousin’s son, my aunt’s son, was scarred for life after a bomb fell on him in his home. At 13, the incident left a deep and lasting impact on his life, demonstrating the significance of family support. Killing Incident: Sadly, one of my uncle’s mother’s elder brother killed a local priest in a car accident when he was just 15. This tragic event highlights the harsh realities that sometimes accompany family history. Malaysian Journey: The brother of my maternal grandfather settled in Malaysia and worked in various small jobs before returning to Sri Lanka. His journey reflects the challenges and opportunities many families face in the diaspora.

Conclusion

Though our family story is not uncommon, each of these stories reflects the unique qualities and characteristics of our family. We are not dysfunctional, but we are loyal and stand by each other through thick and thin. Our family is a testament to the strength and resilience that can be found in familial bonds, no matter the distance or obstacles we face.