Assembling a family.....

My husband's aunt, my friend

Some families come from genetics; a mother, father, sister brother, etc. Some families are brought together by fate such as an adoption. Other families are simply assembled over time with friends and relatives, some known to one for ages and others much less. What is important is not who makes up your family but how they impact your life.

My own family is complex. I have my husband's wonderful siblings, parents, aunts, uncles and grandparents; generations of tightly woven genetically joined additions. My side of the family leaves something to be desired. However, this doesn't mean I am lonely or lack the emotional ties one needs to feel loved. We've added to our family with friends we've gathered over the years, friends with similar background and moral beliefs.

Cindy and Diane

What I've come to realize is that these friends, over time, become just as close as any real family ever could. This assemblage of people join to make our life whole. It's the entirety of the group that make up a complete package and bring us joy. These are the people who share in our happiness, empathize when we have setbacks and who champion us with our new endeavors. You see, what I've discovered is, family is not what you are born with, that is just DNA. Your real family is what you decide it is, the people you choose to share your life with. A big hug and thank you to the the friends and family who bring me peace and happiness.