What does it feel like to grow up among nine siblings, when you feel yourself like the eye of the storm?
I grew up in a house where silence barely existed. Not because people were yelling or fighting, but because life itself was loud.
Imagine nine souls, each with their own wishes and thoughts, moving through one home in every direction.
This was my world — the middle child of the family.
Not the youngest, not the one people turned to for advice. Just somewhere in between.
It shaped me quietly. Taught me to be independent, adaptable. Taught me to notice others before myself.
My role was clear – keep an eye on the little ones, try to keep up with the older ones, and somehow still hold on to my own voice, even when it threatened to disappear.
My childhood wasn’t always simple and beautiful.
There were moments shaped by silence and moments that echoed loudly. But even when things felt difficult, something in us held us together — simple but precious traditions.
Our family had its own rhythm.
Every Christmas, we sat around the same table, even when there was barely enough room.
Our mother made sure every child had something under the tree, even in hard times.
Grandma’s jam was in the cellar like summer sealed in a jar.
Every birthday started with a song.
These little details were our way of saying, I see you, I care.
Were there tensions? Of course. Misunderstandings, hurtful words? Yes, absolutely.
But that didn’t erase what was real — the desire to support each other, to hold on, to show up.
I don’t claim my childhood was perfect, but it was real.
And that realness was a gift.
It taught me how to see life and how to reshape it, if needed.
The stories I share aren’t meant to blame anyone.
I won’t write names or point fingers.
I write because this is my story.
Pieces of a large puzzle called life.
And maybe, just maybe, you’ll find a piece of your own childhood here — a little warmth, a bit of longing, and perhaps a quiet moment of understanding.
“Growing up in a big family teaches you that sharing is not a loss, but a wealth that multiplies with every laugh and tear.”
Did you grow up in a big family or were you an only child? How has it shaped you?
Thank you for reading.
If this story spoke to you, feel free to share it with someone who might need it too. 🫶
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Per Aspera Ad Astra 