Power in Packs

According to a Harvard study of almost 80 years, people who embrace community tend to live longer and happier lives. The largest number of people I've ever lived with is eight. There was me, my son, godparents, god brother, god sister, two nephews, and my niece; nine of us in total.

I currently live with five happy people, three of them are children under the ages of 6. The other two are happily married. Everyday, I am surrounded by adventurous, creative imaginations, and a dynamic bond of love.

The children keep me youthful. At 31, I find myself dancing carelessly to the gummy bear song. Just this morning we did kid Zumba, and went on a yoga adventure with Pedro the penguin. I chase after them, they chase after me, and we share countless laughs. They bring so much joy to my life.

My sister and brother in law give me hope. Each morning before leaving the house, my bro in law leads us in prayer. My sister echoes his prayer, and lovingly prays for him. I observe the system that they have developed. I respect how they depend on one another. Their love for one another keeps me optimistic. I believe in love. I know that true love still exists.

When living amongst a group, everyone must know his or her role. In our home, we let the kids be kids. My brother in law leads the household. My sister is second in command. I am Auntie Mona. We all work together cooperatively, by helping with the children, meals and cleaning.

My sister cooks and cleans the majority of the week. My brother cooks, maintains the property, and protects the home. I am the support specialist. I look after the children, help with cleaning, and fill in wherever I can to make life easier for my sister and bro in law.

We support one another in every way. We respect the chain of command, and we respect one another. Each of us contribute our special gifts and talents to the group. We are a united family, and we live together peacefully. We are happy. We are satisfied in our relationships.

“Good relationships don’t just protect our bodies; they protect our brains,” said Waldinger in his TED talk. “And those good relationships, they don’t have to be smooth all the time. Some of our octogenarian couples could bicker with each other day in and day out, but as long as they felt that they could really count on the other when the going got tough, those arguments didn’t take a toll on their memories.”