Family Uniques: Our Eccentric Aunts, Uncles, and Beyond

Family gatherings are always filled with laughter and interesting stories, often involving members as eccentric as they are endearing. In my case, most of my family is what I would jokingly call 'crazy,' but in all the best ways. Here are some of the most memorable and quirky members of my family, proving that fun doesn't have to be conventional.

The Bird-Killing Mom

My mother takes the cake for eccentricity. She really enjoys the activity I mentally refer to as 'smashing dead birds' or 'killing birds,' whatever term one might prefer. While bird-killing sounds serious, my mother conducts it in her own humorous manner. Her 'dead bird language' for saying goodbye is truly a unique twist on traditional farewells. Although we live apart, we avoid any mention of our familial ties to the general public, making it an exclusive bond we share in secret.

The Night Owl Uncle

Speaking of quirky individuals, one of my uncles works in a bank but maintains a rather unconventional sleeping schedule. He’s an absolute night owl, staying awake until around 3 AM, which might sound like a common occurrence in some circles. However, this routine is quite unique considering he then wakes up at 9 AM and never has breakfast at home. He’s in the office by 9:45 AM, leaving his family none the wiser about his nocturnal habits.

The Communication Challenges and Quirks

On my father's side, I have two siblings that might not fit the conventional definition of normalcy. One is a guy who is really offbeat when it comes to how he communicates. For instance, he’ll say “sorry” when I sneeze instead of offering expected sympathy. Luckily, he didn’t undergo a communication assessment like I did, which led to my receiving the necessary support and help to enhance my communication skills. The other sibling, a girl, is constantly preoccupied with boys, showing no signs of intellectual depth from my viewpoint. Given her actions, I prefer to keep my distance as she seems to lack the simplistic reasoning needed for more mature interactions.

Myself: The Unique One?

Considering the eccentric family dynamics, it’s tempting to wonder if I stand out as the only truly weird relative. While I may not have a specific title for my uniqueness, I feel a certain affinity with my father's side, who are all a little bit odd. It’s this offbeat nature that makes them compelling, yet also somewhat challenging to interact with. In my childhood, we were the fun ones, the ones who made mischief and got away with minor crimes, even if it involved things like spitting on occasion, which might have been viewed differently by our aunt. Thankfully, we were allowed to stay up late and indulge in all the treats we wanted. Aunt, who was a favorite amongst my cousins, still laughs about my pram days. However, nowadays, she’s classified with paranoid schizophrenia, and while I fondly remember her, the complexities of her condition are far from light.

The Enduring Amusement and Heartache

Family can be a mixed bag of joy and heartache, and these unique individuals within my family tree are no exception. We all share a bond predicated on such eccentricities, creating memories that stand the test of time. Despite the quirks, these family members bring both amusement and a sense of belonging. Whether it’s my bird-killing mom, my nocturnal uncle, or my quirky siblings, everyone in my family has a story, and I am fortunate enough to bear witness to each one of these tales.