If life were a football game, my offensive line (the players who block me from the defenders) would be my network of relatives. On both sides of my family, I have a strong network of aunts and uncles and grandparents that I love very dearly.

They are all very instrumental in my childhood, from telling me stories to playing "Peter Pan".

When I was much younger, my parents would host annual summer theatre productions, orginal plays performed by all of the Garrett cousins on my back porch in Austin. We did a Peter Pan remake and a spoof on spaggetti Westerns. All of my relatives would come and set up chairs around the makeshift stage and watch the kids perform. The productions are very fond memories of mine that have contributed directly to my love for acting and storytelling.

I big emphasis within me extended families was always include everyone in the games. In this way, the time spent together was always spent doing something enjoyable. I love my relatives and appreciate the time spent even more now. As most of them live close to one another in San Antonio and Austin, I can drive to meet them on weekends. I think that speaks volumes about the love for one another in how everyone tries to stay in touch. My fathers family actually has a family website, which keeps everyone up-to-date.

My Dad's Side