John's+Page

 My name is John Lawrence. I am a senior studying political science at CU. I have three older sisters and grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio. =media type="file" key="Family and Friends.mp3" width="240" height="20" ﻿Family and Friends = I believe in family. I can’t even imagine my life without them. The relationship I have with my family has made the world seem better in every aspect. We all just happen to get along and are, for the most part, interested in the same things. Eighteen of us have moved from all over the country in order to be together in Colorado. Our family motto: “F.O.M.O" (Fear of Missing Out). We never want to miss an opportunity to hang out. We’re not only family, we’re best friends. Our relationship is a bit different than that of other families. Many of my friends don’t get that feeling of pure excitement when they hear they have to go to another family dinner. Some are even pissed off that they have to attend. Our family, on the other hand, will go to the extreme in order to make sure we are able to come. I have personally done homework days in advance to ensure I don’t miss out on the extravaganza.       My grandparents were the ones who originally would throw the gatherings. They always wanted the family to be close and loved to make close friends feel like they were family.       Our family gatherings are somewhat of a spectacle though. As we would walk into the house, we would be greeted with a loud roar from the crowd. My grandfather would be sitting at the piano with his gin martini, playing his magical renditions of Broadway music while my grandmother would be sitting in her chair trying to find out all the new gossip, of course her vodka martini with lemon, in hand. Some people would be playing backgammon, others pouring drinks, and a good many would be showing off their swing dancing skills by the piano. The late night would consist of drinking games led by the dads. The purpose of these games would be to test the abilities of everyone after copious amounts of alcohol have been consumed. One guest, after failing to compete with the rest of us, laughingly called us a “loving family of functioning alcoholics” and followed with the question, “Will you adopt me!?” The room burst into laughter as we all knew that this person realized what a great thing we have. Being friends has given my family an amazing bond that I hope will continue for generations to come. And while it may not always be easy, it has always been worthwhile. I am a better and happier person because of each and every one of them. I can't wait until the time comes when I get to bring the family together. It'll be me sitting at the piano with a drink, reveling in joy, as the loud roars of the crowd greet the family members entering the room.