Family.

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