What an amazing post! 

I am sorry about your mom and dad passing but they certainly seem to have instilled some very valuable life lessons and core values within you which will stay with you forever. 

Big families are indeed a blessing. We dont have as big a family as yours, but ours is not exactly small either, so I can relate to all the "celebrations". Personally I love them as it keeps us all close together... despite our fall outs from time to time. 

Having my eldest brother in ICU for a month this last December with bacterial meningitis taught me just how precious all those moments are.

Life is fleeting... and we must remember to appreciate and show gratitude for each and every passing moment. 

xxx