Mom grew up in a small community and comes from a very matriarchal family. She has three sisters and one brother. When the ladies on that side get together it sounds a lot like a hen house. They can be a little melodramatic but they love to joke and have fun most of the time. Her only brother got screwed over very badly by his ex-wife about eight years ago when it turned out she had blackmailed people out of about six figures in cash because her business was a failure, and when she found out the feds were on her she cashed out all of his assets and ran. I don't think either he or my cousin will ever forgive her for that and all around it's still a sore spot in the family.

Grandma is a very strong woman. She's an excellent seamstress and worked in a sewing store for many years. She likes to have fun and is still very active. Grandpa is not as active anymore. I have a lot of respect for him because he's done a lot with his life and he's never done anything to show me that he's anything but an honest, hard working man. But between his heart condition and his legs (he had one of his hips replaced before I can even remember) he can't do much these days. It's sad to see him so depressed and just trying to stay out of the way. Everyone knows he doesn't feel well most of the time and tries to be nice. For me I'd just like to see him have a peaceful death rather than living in misery. Which is kind of morbid, but seriously, I have nothing but respect for the guy.

Dad's side of the family is very messed up in a lot of ways. Two of his grandparents were very good people that I didn't really get to know, but he loved them to death. He didn't see the other set though after his sister was molested by his grandpa. His parents are ty people. I know a lot of people beat their kids back in those days, but I imagine a lot of people who did it at least showed some love or support. Dad and his siblings were just inconveniences to them. They never liked my mom, and when they said she was pregnant with my sister, dad's mom said she was "too young to be a grandma." They are ty people who have made no attempt to be a part of the grandchildren's lives. Hell, they didn't even want to come see my sister's son after he was born.

My uncle is pretty cool though he and dad can get into it sometimes. Things have been a little more tense since the factory closed that they both worked at - though dad left about a year prior to it. His kids are okay sometimes but eh. Sometimes they make it their personal goal to annoy the hell out of me. My aunt, well, she's more with dad's parents. Her husband is a dick and she and my dad have had a shaky relationship for a while now. She has also made no effort to see my nephew despite multiple invitations.

I guess that brings me to my dad. My dad is a pretty awesome guy. He never got to go to college, but he never let any of his past keep him down. He started working on the floor of a factory and by the time he left he was basically running the place. He hated his job, deeply. I mean... he pretty much went through hell there for years. But he didn't quit until he had something else lined up, because of his wife and kids. He loves us deeply and has done everything to show it in a way that he never got growing up. On his side he is always the peacebringer, the most mature one willing to invite people over even though they're total assholes. He's raised me with a stern voice and nasty looks but never violence or threats.

Mom keeps everything running! Sometimes to a fault; there was a point when we were going through some hard times and she didn't let it show. She just kinda kept the finances a secret. But she's very caring and supportive and she hates my dad's mom! Just like me. Sometimes I can just talk to her and she seems to understand. I dunno... she's just very much a mom. I feel very comfortable around her.

My sis is full of spunk and likes to have fun, but she's also very, very mature. I'm hoping she goes to get her bachelor's after her son grows up a bit so she can get out of the teller world at her bank. She just has so much more going for her. We've never really fought much, though to be honest we drifted a bit when we both hit our teenage years... but she's still very caring and loving, like mom. She had an awesome son last September named Jacob who is very fun loving! Seriously, he's one of the coolest babies I've ever met. He's just so chill and loves to laugh and play. She's married, and my brother in law has done a lot of growing up in these past years. I'm very impressed with his character now compared to a few years ago, especially since they had Jacob. He's a very caring and doting father. They have a fun siberian huskey, as well.

We have a cat named Cookie. She's getting a little old, and she's fat, and likes to bite when she wants food. But she also loves cuddling with me, so...