I come from a less than perfect family.

When we argue, its like WORLD WAR III.

When someone argues with ONE OF US. WE START WORLD WAR III.

We do not have much in common, except that we like to REALLY HANGOUT TOGETHER.

Our Papa? Doesn’t speak English that well. And does not care about any form of art. The only movies he watches are the kind that has FPJ-like fights from start to finish.

And because of that our mama gets frustrated. Mama can read a novel in an hour or two if she has the time. They are ALMOST complete opposites.

But they love each other to bits.

My sister on the other hand, hates the fact that I am a social media whore. That I like to “launder my dirty clothes in public,” but I am her go-to person when she needs any help with anything TECHIE.

And I know she loves me to bits. And I love her too…

The love overflows to her husband, who is one of the most HELPFUL and HARDWORKING person I know on this planet. And even if he found himself an equally crazy family when he married my ate… It is apparent that he loves being part of our imperfect family as well.

My other sister in the US, has her own world, but calls and texts almost everyday just to be up to date with us here. And her husband? Is the only guy I know who can tug along 5 small kids ALONE in a supermarket WITHOUT A HITCH.

My brother here? Well, let’s just say he is some kind of “Lord” around this part of the Philippines. He can almost get away with ANYTHING. Almost anything expect when it comes to our Mama’s nagging!

I used to really abhor these imperfections that I see. Papa and mama literally smothering Sky with affection. My sister, May for getting pissed over the slightest thing. My brother, who would wake up with dragon breath just to give Sky a kiss. The LOUD FIGHTS that we’ve had at the dinner table on a Saturday night… And going to mass together with PUFFY eyes the next day.

However for the whole year of 2011, I have realized that these imperfections make us STRONGER TOGETHER every single day.

Because despite my own SHORT TEMPEREDNESS and STUBBORN IMPERFECTIONS. I know and feel that they are always there for me when I went through such tough times.

They are all amazingly understanding.

Never ever forget the family where you came from, because they are the family that will ALWAYS BE THERE when you’re moving onwards.