some of the differences i see between my cousins in NM and my family here in California are this: my parents have been married for 69 years... the others had broken homes... my parents had expectations for us--to go to school, do well, be productive members of society... they didn't have that... in fact, they were all really good at working the system... my parents were somewhat "strict," with us... my aunt gave into every whim and desire of her sons... they were spoiled to where they could not hold a job... just stuff like that... they all did jail and prison time... none of my brothers and sisters ever got into trouble like that... i think it's the little things everyday that turn into big things in the long run...
...my parents have been married for 69 years... the others had broken homes... my parents had expectations for us—
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Very good posting! It reflects the upbringing you had and your understanding of why your family members are different from others who are related.