Phases have come and gone - times where I felt I had to defend my position in life and times where I felt it was something rather brag-worthy. Now with time and life experience, I’ve come to enjoy explaining that for the sibling love, connection and rivalry I ‘lack’ - I’ve been able to make up for in how truly dynamic the term ‘family’ is for me.
First there’s mom and dad - and our pets. When there’s no brothers and sisters to play and argue with, Mom and Dad end up taking on a lot of different roles. I find that my ability to confide in my parents and have ‘real talk’ with them has always been bolstered by me being the only kid in the house. They were the ones I whispered my secrets to. They were the ones who had to play barbies and dress up with me when no friends were around. And let’s not forget about our family pets who were forced into an intense level of tolerance as my ‘brothers and sisters.’ From being dressed in doll clothes and being forced to sit in a chair with a teacup in front of them, the cats and dogs in our house as I grew up definitely earned their keep in the form of entertainment and companionship - even if reluctant at times.