fam•i•ly
noun.
1. a social unit consisting of one or more adults together with the
children the care for and look after. 2. a group of people who share
common attitudes, interests, or goals and, frequently, live together.
3. a group of people united and guided by certain convictions,
beliefs, and morals. 4. relatives who love and care for one another
deeply and oftentimes, put each others' needs and preferences before
their own. 5. a group whose love is not hindered by time, space or
circumstance.
Have you ever thought about what it
means to be part of a family? It really is the most incredible thing.
I am a part of a group of people who call each other family. We will
love and be loved for the rest of our lives, no matter what. If you
stop and think about what that actually means, it is one of the most
powerful things to ever exist. Families come in all different shapes
and sizes and are ever-evolving. As we start out our lives, we all
have parents. Some of us have siblings, some don't. We usually grow
up with grandparents, aunt, uncles and cousins. Eventually some of us
add spouses and children to their families. We also sometimes lose
family members along the way; sometimes, due to death, other times
because of choice.
“There
is no such thing as a "broken family." Family is family,
and is not determined by marriage certificates, divorce papers, and
adoption documents. Families are made in the heart.” ― C.
JoyBell C.
I have been so incredibly blessed with
family. My parents and siblings have provided me with absolutely
astounding love and support. Today I met a woman who did not have $12
to pay for a perscription at the pharmacy. Knowing that I will never
have needs go unmet, simply because my family would not allow it, is
a pretty incredible thing. Family is a safe place where I am never
judged and always accepted. That is an amazing thing.
“When
everything goes to hell, the people who stand by you without
flinching -- they are your family. ” ― Jim
Butcher
This rings so true to my heart. I also have a family that is not blood-related. This
family is so incredibly special to me. There was a time in my life when I had no
blood family nearby. This is when I found the other part of my
family. Friends that are no longer friends. They are family. They
will always be family.
My family is ever-changing, yet the
most stable thing in my life. Family gets us through life and makes
it worth living. I pray that everyone can experience family as I
have. Life is so incredibly short.
Love your family. Build your
family up. Protect your family. Cherish your family.
“I
sustain myself with the love of family.”
― Maya
Angelou