MEJARITO, Ivy G.

Development
2012-50488

HE 100: Family & Societal

Professor Elizabeth Asiddao

Narrative Analysis on Genogram Construction

One of the major requirements prior to finishing this course is making a
genogram. As defined, genogram is a map depicting family structure and emotional
processes over time. Compared to the family tree that we used to make when we
were kids, this tool is more complicated to construct but way more informative.
As I constructed the genogram, I discovered that my paternal side is quite of
late bloomers when it comes to establishing their own family of procreation. My
aunt decided not to marry because she stood up for her parents and brothers
needs while two of my uncles got married in their late 30s and early 40s,
respectively. In effect, there is a wide age gap between my paternal cousins and I
which affects our relationship and understanding of each other as well. I find it hard
as a young-adult to tolerate tantrums, pranks, and stubbornness of 7 year old-kids.
Meanwhile, the large age gap between my cousins and their parents manifested
with lack of patience, irritability and misunderstanding. My uncles probably realized
that it is difficult at their age to support a large family so they decided to raise not
more than two kids. Meanwhile, the maternal side of the family exhibited a bigger
family circle with at least 3 offspring for each of my 4 aunts. I have more cousins in
the same age bracket hence I could deal and communicate better with them. We
have shared our views on love, ethics, & family among many other relevant topics.
The importance of strong family ties is a legacy reiterated to both maternal
and paternal sides; yet with different manifestation. On my fathers side, strong ties
means living together in one compound and being codependent which I dont find
ideal in my own opinion. Ironically, we are in one place but the walls and division
between my paternal siblings are thicker than a block of ice. Living for 21 years with
my paternal relatives has made me realized that loving your family does not mean
boxing them up together in one place. Instead, it is about taking life chances, letting
them stand on their feet, and making their own decisions for their family of
procreation. I must say that the concept of family relationships on my maternal side
is ideal. Yes, my aunts and mother had established their own lives and family
separately, but their love and care for one another remain undiminished. Standing

for their individual families but maintaining constant communication has not only
brought the sisters closer but also help in establishing a concrete relationship
between us, cousins. My mother and aunts hailed from the clans of farmers and I
could have been any more proud of them for they were able to give us education
despite their impoverish situations. It is very fulfilling to see that most of my cousins
are now degree holders and helping them back to give them comfort and happiness.
Despite the varying set-up of my father and mothers side, I would say that I
am close to both families. Living together with the paternal side for 21 years has
created a dynamic relationship with them. Eventually, I learned to embrace the
stubbornness and craziness of my young cousins. I acknowledge that at the end of
the day, they will always be my family no matter what happens. On my mothers
side, the proximity of our residences is a factor that affected the dynamics of our
relationship. In the early stages of their lives, most of my maternal cousins and their
respective families have lived in our town making it easier for us to visit and bond
with them. The bond we established in our childhood became the foundation for the
strong relationship we have today.
Overall, the construction of this genogram has been fun but not easy. One of
the challenges I encountered while doing it is gathering of the birthdates, pictures
and works of the family members. I have to contact each of them in order to get this
information. Moreover, there are awkward moments when you have to ask the
information of deceased members. As reflected in my genogram, pictures of the
deceased are missing because picture of a dead person is difficult to find. Most
importantly, I dont want to offend my relatives by asking for a picture of their dead
family member. Another challenge is fitting all the information and symbols because
we have a total of 20 cousins (excluding my sister and I) combined with my uncles,
aunts and their respective families from both sides.