The March Issue // Archives // December 2009 - Family
WHAT THE HECK IS FAMILY ANYWAYS???
What can I say? My butt (it's a little more fit but still FAT) couldn't have achieved my wildest dreams without family. You guys have heard me talk about my mom endlessly—she has sacrificed her own comfort and dedicated her life to making me and my brother the independent, strong, and focused people we are. Maybe you've even heard me speak about my biggest fan, my dad, who kinda embarrasses me sometimes (well actually, MANY times) with his boasting, proud papa support of me. Or my amazing brother Devin who loves America so much that he's going on 20 years in the US Air Force. He brings the most amazing gifts home to me and my mom from all over the world!
Well, this month is all about family. But let's keep it really real—all families are not alike and there's no such thing as a perfect family—and they're not supposed to be. I ask you to try hard not to measure your family against someone else's, because we don't choose our family like we choose our friends. Someone else's situation may look so good from afar. In middle school, I remember being so scared to bring my rich friend to my home because she lived in a mansion that her family purchased from one of the most legendary athletes of all time. On the otherhand, I lived in an apartment that wasn't in the best neighborhood. Her mom didn't have to work and chose not to. Mine worked two jobs.
So, back to the mansion. I mean, it was a royal castle in my eye. To this day, it would STILL be intimidating to me! Well, my mom caught wind of my fears of having my buddy see our house, and convinced me to get past my insecurities and invite her over. After I got through the initial nerves of letting her through the front door, she asked to see my bedroom. The first thing she said was, "WOW!, Tyra your room is all rainbow colored and mine is all one boring color that the interior designer picked. I'm so JEALOUS!!!" From that day onward, she only wanted to hang at my house cuz she felt it was comfy and real.
Can you believe it?! She preferred my room's handcrafted decor done by my mama's hands over her own professionally decorated princess palace of a room!!! From that day, I vowed to be proud of where I come from and to not be ashamed of my family—even if, years later, we lived one block from where some of the Rodney King riots were.
All families and situations are different. Some parents are together, some never were, some are divorced. Some families are rich, some live paycheck to paycheck. Some of you have never met your mom or have been deserted by your dad (he's missing out on your amazingness by the way!). Some of you have two moms or two dads. Or were raised by by your Grannie or Gramps or Auntie or Uncle or Cousin or Brother or Sister. Some of us are adopted or in foster care. The truth is, family is about so much more than just bloodline connections.
To me, family is about familiarity, security and unconditional love. Family is where you go when you need to feel warm, when the world seems to be harsh and cold. Or when you are acting a fool and you need someone to tell you to get it together! Family is who believes in you when you're up--and especially when you're down and feeling like crap. Family is support. Family is friendship. Family is that I-know-I-was-dead-wrong-but-I-know-you-forgive-me-cuz-you-love-me-unconditionally kinda thing.
Speaking of all kindsa family, for so long, and it's been LONG cuz I've been modeling since I was 15, doing Top Model for 13 cycles and hosting my talk show for five years, you've all been like an extended family to me. (Sending so much love and support my way, but also telling me the truth when you weren't lovin' something I've said or done.) Thank you so much for that. For your voice, your opinion, your loving and honest truth. Keep it comin'. The bitter and the sweet. That's what family is for.
Ok. Ok... I'm all smilin' now, all sappy and warm and fuzzy. I hope you are smilin' with me and remembering that the imperfect family is the new family! And if you haven't already, I'd love for you to join my family here, my inner circle. Just like all families, we ain't perfect, we tell it like it is and we embrace your mistakes and your loveliness too.
Love you like some BBQ flavored soy crisps straight outta the bag,
Fierce & Love,
Ty-Ty
i try so hard to be on antm i tryed 11 12 13 14 n i am going totry 4 cycle 15 im knot giving up i have psuedo sezuires but i claim thos a way i havent had 1 in a whil i want to be on antm i cry every night knowing thats ... morei try so hard to be on antm i tryed 11 12 13 14 n i am going totry 4 cycle 15 im knot giving up i have psuedo sezuires but i claim thos a way i havent had 1 in a whil i want to be on antm i cry every night knowing thats my passion n knowing its my dream n im waiting for my turn i made a song its on my page i have a baby voice n i want the world to kno that voices scars skinny big boned short tall dnt make a diffrence its ur personality n i wnna be on antm 15 i think its my tyme to shine how about u tyra u wrote me on twitter in dm sayn gurl ur realy smizing my topmodel girls kould learn frm u
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awww...ilove my fam[ily]. buh sometimes idon't think they love me as much as they say they do. so since i am "supposively" to young to hav a family of my own...[im 14]...itreat Trinity...[she's 6] like she is my own chil ... moreawww...ilove my fam[ily]. buh sometimes idon't think they love me as much as they say they do. so since i am "supposively" to young to hav a family of my own...[im 14]...itreat Trinity...[she's 6] like she is my own child [even though idnt knw how that feels] with alot of love and support her in all of her ideas and tell her positive things! i just love seeing her happy if i, myself, cant be happy !
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My family has flaws like any other family. My mother is my rock, she is my everything and some. She has helped me out through so much, from giving me tissues on bad days, laughing at goofy movies we go watch, or sit at h ... moreMy family has flaws like any other family. My mother is my rock, she is my everything and some. She has helped me out through so much, from giving me tissues on bad days, laughing at goofy movies we go watch, or sit at home and watch tv together. My sister is 2 years older than me, she gives it to me hard. There is no way around it, but I like the honesty from her, because we are like that with each other. My dad, I wouldnt even know where to start with him. We dont see eye to eye alot! But other than that my family is the best, wouldnt change them for the world!!
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You know family is a big word. People should never take having a close net family for granted. My family is not close. It seems that ever since my mom passed away in 2004 that everyone went their seperate ways. The p ... moreYou know family is a big word. People should never take having a close net family for granted. My family is not close. It seems that ever since my mom passed away in 2004 that everyone went their seperate ways. The people that I'm close to are my daughters, I would do anything for them. I would even give them the clothes off my back. I have one daughter that goes to NIU here in Chicago and the other goes to Washburne Culinary Institute with me. We're both taking up pastry chef, and my last daughter goes to South Shore School of the Art. She is in her sophomore year.
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i always had a picture in my mind of a perfect family: my father, mother and I then maybe a little sister or brother. but it never happened !! :( instead, i was raised by almost all my father's siblings. Am 21 now,i spe ... morei always had a picture in my mind of a perfect family: my father, mother and I then maybe a little sister or brother. but it never happened !! :( instead, i was raised by almost all my father's siblings. Am 21 now,i spent one day with both my biological parents at my grandma's house that i can remember. long story short..All those people are a big part of my life...my true family. and now i live with my step mom, step sister, and two little brothers and we all love each other to death..my dad pass away to cancer..but there is no perfect family, but instead, there are true families <3 <#
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bueno me gustaria decir o hablar asi de hermoso de mi familia pero no puedo , aunque algo si te digo mi unica familia es mi madre, ella es la persona que mas admiro en esta vida y a la que mas amo, ella a sacrificado t ... morebueno me gustaria decir o hablar asi de hermoso de mi familia pero no puedo , aunque algo si te digo mi unica familia es mi madre, ella es la persona que mas admiro en esta vida y a la que mas amo, ella a sacrificado todo por mi , a sacado de donde no tiene para darme el tamaño que tengo , ella a sido padre y madre para mi, y es mi mayor amor. pero no por eso dejo de darle gracias a Dios por la familia que me a tocado, ya que cuantos hay por hay sin familia y yo siendo bendecisa con una familia, pero sobre todo con una madre maravillosa.
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i think ur a great person n i do feel that ur part of my fam ur allways happy and always have a good or funny oppion to everything ur so my hero...love j.v
you know ty ty what you have written its true and i try to be the best family member i can be .In my family we are divided ,not having some one to share your ambitions with and you feelings ,someone to understand you.any ... moreyou know ty ty what you have written its true and i try to be the best family member i can be .In my family we are divided ,not having some one to share your ambitions with and you feelings ,someone to understand you.anyway despite this i do hope for the best .Am grateful to have u,you are the big sister i do not have offering the knowledge i need as i grow and every day looking forward to learn more from you tyra. You make me know there is someone who cares and by that i see the greatness in me and forget my problem.you bring joy in my heart and an grateful for that.love veronica.
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you know ty ty what you have written its true and i try to be the best family member i can be .In my family we are divided ,not having some one to share your ambitions with and you feelings ,someone to understand you.any ... moreyou know ty ty what you have written its true and i try to be the best family member i can be .In my family we are divided ,not having some one to share your ambitions with and you feelings ,someone to understand you.anyway despite this i do hope for the best .Am grateful to have u,you are the big sister i do not have offering the knowledge i need as i grow and every day looking forward to learn more from you tyra. You make me know there is someone who cares and by that i see the greatness in me and forget my problem.you bring joy in my heart and an grateful for that.love veronica.
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Your work is inspiring and your heart is big and that is what makes you fierce. Can you help me see my son?
wish we could get sthns on our inboxes from you n not feel like samwan wrote for everyone but especially for me from ty
FAMILY, IS WARMTH, LOVE, ACCEPTANCE, THE PLACE OF COURAGE, THE HEART AND ALSO ALWAYS HOME... FAMILY IS EVERYTHING...IN OTHER WORDS...THEY BRING OUT BEST IN ME... ALTHOUGH IT MAYBE TOUGH AT TIMES AND YES IT IS, FAMILY WIL ... moreFAMILY, IS WARMTH, LOVE, ACCEPTANCE, THE PLACE OF COURAGE, THE HEART AND ALSO ALWAYS HOME... FAMILY IS EVERYTHING...IN OTHER WORDS...THEY BRING OUT BEST IN ME...
ALTHOUGH IT MAYBE TOUGH AT TIMES AND YES IT IS, FAMILY WILL ALWAYS BE FAMILY WHETHER TODAY OR TOMORROW
MY MOM, SHES THE LIGHT OF MY LIFE... SHE PUSHS AND SACRAFICES...SHE PUTS UP WITH ALL THE BULL THAT MY BROTHERS AND I PUT HER THROUGH SHE'S TOUGH SHE'S LOVING AND SHE'S EVERYTHING
NOW THAT I HAVE TWO KIDS OF MY OWN I NOW NO HOW MUCHED SHE HAS GIVIEN UP FOR MY BROTHERS AND I AND I COULDNT ASKED FOR MORE...
SHE'S GIVEN US FAMILY...
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you know ur my big sister ty ty i love you, you kinda crazy like me. well my family is far apart in every way they r not supportive,sometimes they r so cold and they never say the words "i love you" but i still love them ... moreyou know ur my big sister ty ty i love you, you kinda crazy like me. well my family is far apart in every way they r not supportive,sometimes they r so cold and they never say the words "i love you" but i still love them and support them im sensitive but no one cares really they just do their own thing and some times i wish i was in another family. im from a large family sometimes im not payed any mind and i feel neglected and unwanted but i know some day when i have my own family im gonna feel loved and give love so every one will always feel that they are love appreciated and wanted.
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Ok now Tyra you have to quit! I am a very emotional person and this one brought another good tear to my eye!..LOL...I am gonna have to stop reading in a minute..LOL. But very well said! I have been most of what you have ... moreOk now Tyra you have to quit! I am a very emotional person and this one brought another good tear to my eye!..LOL...I am gonna have to stop reading in a minute..LOL. But very well said! I have been most of what you have talked about and from the negatives I had in my family life as a child I have learned not to make the same mistakes with my children. My family hardly ever told each other they loved them. As a child I rarely heard it and my family was not affectionate by all means! That is why I kiss my children all the time and tell them I love in every other word I say!!!!
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By the way, my daughter feels the same way about her home. I had a student whose home did not have a floor. There were 16 people living in that home with her. Moreover, she kept a smile on her face everyday.
Oh, my dear God! I cheered! I cried. I wished I could give you a BIG HUG!!!!!!!!!!!! You told the truth, I honestly believe what you say in the above passage. I have experienced, in my 44 years of living, practicall ... moreOh, my dear God! I cheered! I cried. I wished I could give you a BIG HUG!!!!!!!!!!!! You told the truth, I honestly believe what you say in the above passage. I have experienced, in my 44 years of living, practically all which you mention. THANK YOU for keeping it real. I was quite sad when I heard you were retiring from your talk show. On the contrary, you will do just as well on the big screen. I hope you will work with Tyler Perry, Al Pacino, Meryl Street, Steve Martin and many other movie greats.
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Do you know, family is somethin' so nice so good.The family give you the base for everythink, they support you in all your good and bad moments from the moment when you learn how to walk, say your first word untill the m ... moreDo you know, family is somethin' so nice so good.The family give you the base for everythink, they support you in all your good and bad moments from the moment when you learn how to walk, say your first word untill the moment when you make so many misstakes.....My family wasn't at all like this unfortenatly, but i am still thankfull to God for giviing me the chance to leave, be healty and feel each moment off my life, the best i could.
I love you Tyra!!!!!!!!!
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It seems as though every time I look to someone for inspiration, their parents and family have played a large role in their success-- even with the extremely talented performers at my high school... but what about people ... moreIt seems as though every time I look to someone for inspiration, their parents and family have played a large role in their success-- even with the extremely talented performers at my high school... but what about people that dont have that? There are so many successful people who say "I never could have done it without the support of my family," but is that really true? Are there other success stories out there from people who weren't necessarily disowned by their parents, but went through so much because of them that they disowned them? Ive never heard one. But I intend to change that.
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I agree tyra familys important..but its hard when its torn.When you have noone to suppport your hopes and dreams.I feel this way sometimes.Sometimes i dont think i even matter.My grandparents love me unconditionly buh i ... moreI agree tyra familys important..but its hard when its torn.When you have noone to suppport your hopes and dreams.I feel this way sometimes.Sometimes i dont think i even matter.My grandparents love me unconditionly buh i need more than that.I need comfort and support and thats more than they can offer.I dont espect much from them becuz look what theyve already done for me.I just dont think with the crazy lifestyle i live that my dreams will ever come true and it kills me inside.Family support is great..when you have it.Love what chu got cuz yu dnt know wht ur missin till its gone.
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Tyra, i love you so much just like I love my family. Ty-Ty, you're best!!...LOL :)