Blood is Thicker than Water

In my years on this planet, one important lesson I’ve learned is that family comes first. My grandfather was a polygamist with seven wives, which has made my family quite large. I define my family ties in three categories:

1. Biological Family: My parents, siblings, and children.
2. Immediate Family: My father’s biological siblings and their families.
3. Extended Family: The rest of the family members in my grandfather’s polygamous relations.

One thing I’ve learned from my family is that amai ndi Mai, baba ndi Baba—we rarely use terms like babamukuru, Maiguru, bamunini, or mainini, or even “cousins.” If Portia is from the immediate or extended family, that doesn’t make her a cousin to me; she’s simply my sister, and I call her Akoma.

I love my family. We may not be perfect, but our diversity makes us beautiful. The happy moments, drama, feuds, and sad times fulfill our human nature.

I’ve observed that the bigger the family, the more drama there is. Now that I’m an adult, I’m experiencing the reality of family feuds. I wonder if our family ties will withstand the test of time. There seem to be more divisions and selfishness creeping in.

It feels like death keeps robbing us of the people who held our family together. If they’re not gone, they’re often accused of witchcraft. It’s truly sad. The fabric of our family is disintegrating with each passing moment. Could these be the last days mentioned in the Holy Book, in 2 Timothy 3:1–5? Angazi, but I ponder what will become of us if we fail to hold up our families.

No matter what happens, family comes first, and it’s blood that keeps us together. Friends can play their part, but there will always come a time when someone from your bloodline is needed.

I hope we can mend our shortcomings and be a family that stands together, keeping our ties strong. Nothing should destroy the Samanyanga blood in us as the offspring of Mawire Dickson Manyonga.

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