You don't choose your family.  They are God's gift to you, as you are to them.  ~Desmond Tutu

    This quote can really describe how I feel after this last weekend.  For those of you who know me, I have kind of a confusing family. Divorce has happened and I happen to have a huge family on both of my sides. While all sides of my family mean so much to me, I have taken that for granted sometimes.

                I always joke with my parents (my step dad and mom) about how I didn’t really appreciate everything they did for me until I left for college, but it is so true. All the little things like cleaning up, and cooking me dinner, and taking me to and from practices has all made me who I was. At times (okay, I’ll be honest), most of the time, I got scolded but it has made me a better more determined person.

            When I was 7, my little sister came into this world and she has got to be the most special little girl in my life. I cannot imagine how I lived without a sister for seven years. I think at times she is actually more mature than me. My brother who I have grown up with is the complete opposite of me.

                Growing up, my brother and I fought about everything. We would fight over dust if we could. Today though is a different story. He calls me about everything and I call him. I make it a point to not just call my brother but talk to my family everyday. No matter how mad they make me, or how busy I am, I can always find time to talk them. Although I do not see my other siblings as often or my nephew, I still know that they are all there and they love me. I’m still trying to get my nephew to say Julia before he says my sisters name although I don’t see that happening.

                  I have also come to realize that it is not just who raises you or blood related to that is your family. In a sense, you can choose your family. To me I have a lot of families. I have my WT family, which would include my soccer teammates, my teachers who have helped me a long the way (you know who you are), and my friends here. I also have my family in New Jersey and friends there at my old school, my friends at home in San Antonio from high school and my friends and family all over the world.

                 When I stop to think about how blessed I am to truly have so many people care about me, it’s overwhelming. This past weekend, I got to hang out with my “family.” For the first time in a long time my brother, sister, my mom and dad, and I were all at the same gathering. They all attended their first WT soccer game (with me playing this year). It was such a great feeling to have them in the stands and to know how much they support me. Along with them were a few friends and mentors I have had along the way to come and watch me and catch up with me at the end. This weekend was so great in the fact that I got to spend time with a lot of my family members: My team, My family, My mentors and my friends. Family is around you everyday, people who care about you and want you to learn and grow as a person, you just have to take time to realize it. Thank you to all who have made me, who I am, and continue to help me along with way.