School of Love

I once asked my mom if she had ever worried about us developing social skills, being homeschooled and all.

She said no.

She figured we should all learn to get along at home.

Which we did.

Because the family is the first school of love.

It’s how I know how hard love is sometimes.

I realized with a shock last month that I hadn’t forgiven my brother for something that happened years and years ago, plus the accumulated miscommunications since then…

In general, the pack is great. All of us love each other deeply.

I always knew that my family would change the world because there are so many of us and we are all just so gosh-darned Catholic.

We have all created our separate stomping grounds because the Wolf pack joke is really, really old. I should probably stop using it. None of us like the reference at this point, I’m pretty sure.

It’s important when raising your large family to remember that each are wonderful, special individuals. As parents, you are not a factory… as their children, you are not the product.

I think about the dedication in Cheaper by the Dozen, a book I’ve always loved. Their dad raised only twelve children, their mom raised twelve only children.

I do believe I told my best friend one time after a very difficult spiritual season: You just cannot beat the Catholic out of me!

And now I see it.

I see them all changing the world through their patience, love, and wisdom…

My big brother makes sure medical devices are safe for people. His wife doctors children and would never recommend an abortion. My big sister teaches NFP so married couples can plan their families with confidence and without the poison of contraception. My other big sister teaches people about dental health, even when the office is trying to rush her. Another sister teaches high schoolers how to have a work ethic in her restaurant…

I’m the writer, obviously.