DEFINITION OF FAMILY2The general definition of family is according to the Oxford Dictionary as “a groupconsisting of two parents and their children living together as a unit.” However, in myopinion this definition is basic and flawed. It is considerably stereotyped and biased to what a“traditional” family should look like. My definition varies from the general definition offamily because I believe that a family doesn’t have to be biological descendants, living in thesame household or even in the same area. My definition of family is two or more people whohave a bond that is built by love, similar interests regardless of the demographics. I believe inthis definition because it includes all type of families and relationships. Weather the situationis single parent, married, adopted, same sex marriage, race, common-law or even a group ofindividuals whom think of each other as family. In this case, my definition of family variesfrom many individuals and sources because of my past experiences and situations. My familyis a huge part of my life.Itis very important and valuable to me and is something that shouldnever be taken for granted. Without my family, a large part of my life and culture would bemissing.I was born and raised in a joint Sikh family. My family prior to marriage includedmy parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts and my cousins.My family always supported me inanything my heart desired. They helped me in succeeding in my education and career.Everyone’s education starts in the family like love, respect and morals. The greatest gift Ihave received from my family was to share own stories; storytelling is a tradition of myfamily. I got married and came to Canada to another joint family (mother-in-law, father-in-law, sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, nieces and a nephew).It was hard to adjust in my newfamily. However, I was very lucky to have such a caring and loving family that tried theirbest to provide unconditional love, emotional support and along with financially support.
