I love my family.period.amen.
It's come to my attention that I might have a broader interpretation of "family" than some others, and that's OK.
It really makes me think. What defines "family"?
Is it just the people you are related to?
Is it the people you've know for years and years?
I was blessed to be born into a large family of aunts and uncles, cousins, grandparents. Each and every one of them has defined who I am in some way. That said.... it's been years since I've spoken to some of them. Those are "relatives" - the folks that I am blood related to, but currently don't have any common ground. I love them; perhaps purely out of obligation, but I love them. On the other hand, there are some relatives that I can't imagine my life without. They continually have a hand in defining me. Sure, I'm grown and my own woman... but every day you and I evolve. These people help me grow, and I hope I do the same for them.
How do I define family? The people that I can tell my deepest, darkest secrets; the ones that see me at my very best and very worst; the ones I can call in celebration or sadness; the ones that make fun of me and tease me; the ones that I would trust with my life.
I think that the people you surround yourself with; the people you see; speak to; connect with -are your true family. They may be those that are technically related to you or friends, co-workers, neighbors. Heck, it could be another blogger whose face you've never seen... but has made a difference in your life.
I consider myself very lucky. I have a large family! These people vary between knowing me all my life (my parents, grandparents, aunts/uncles), knowing me all of their lives (brother and cousins) or having just come into my life within the last few years - among them are my best friend, my Army peeps, and a few of you! I don't want to imagine my life without a single one of them, and hope my family continues to grow. :-)
I love my family.period.amen.
How do you define family?
Posts
I have more friends who are like family than I have actualy family. My brother and I were the only grandchildren on my father's side. There were seven grandchildren on my mother's side and we are supportive...not close as in telling deep dark secrets, but there for each other when there is sickness or worse among us. We have never argued or disagreed...we get along well, but are reserved...not huggy kissy and the like. My husband's family is quite different. He has a large family on both sides. His mother's side, particularly, always goes overboard with the "oh we're so close" and they are BUT they fuss and fight like I don't know what sometime. It's very confusing.
ReplyDeleteGreat post...I tried to get a rough draft our of guest list a few months ago, and I, unlike do not have many uncles, aunts, cousins that I am close to (you're a lucky girl!) so under family, I have my best friends from high school and believe it or not, a lot of his friends and their families who I cannot imagine my life without these past 6-7 years of the Army.
ReplyDeleteBut regardless, I consider them family.
I think you have a very good definition of family. I know I'm closer to many of my friends than I am my actual family. It really comes down to who you can count on. Often people day, "but they're family" and I think that's okay if the relationship works both ways, Great post.
ReplyDeleteI have a huge blood family ... and I love all of them. However, I only consider a few of them friends. I don't have a lot of GOOD friends, but I consider most of them family! In my mind, family means the people that just do what you need them to do, as opposed to asking what needs to be done. Does that make sense?
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Cole, and I totally agree with you. Family is whoever touches your heart on a day to day basis. You don't have to be able to see them or touch them, but if they touch your soul, that's family.
ReplyDeleteJustine :o )
Amen! I do not consider but five only members of either of our families a 'true' friend. Our outside of family friends have always been more like 'family' & I wouldn't trade them for the world. To me a friend is one who you can count on regardless, 900% for anything in life ... where the hearts share true love ...
ReplyDelete