This is a great question for me because I have so many people I consider family that are not blood related to me. Family is defined by the interactions and investments you have with another person or people. I have spent every holiday since I can remember with my moms best friends family. I call all of them my aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents, and they treat my parents and I as one of their own. They keep us in the loop with everything thats going on with everyone else in the family and we do the same with them. I have a very small blood related family, so this extended family for us seems just the same. Family members are the ones who are there in times of need when no one else can be. They confide in one another, and ask for advice. Family members do not judge each other and they love unconditionally.
Both of my parents were and are really good at encouraging independence. After I turned 18 most of the rules that had once been in place were no longer there, and I had a lot more freedom. Also, after I moved out, my parents and my relationship grew stronger and we are closer now than before. Now that I am graduating college and getting married, they give me even more credit to having my independence from them.
Hi MaryLou,
ReplyDeleteI can relate to you having "aunts and uncles" that are not blood related. My moms sister (my real aunt) has a best friend that has been a part of the family since high school. We call her "Aunt Jane". When my dad was in the military, my mom said we would spend our holidays with other military families that were close enough to go home and see their blood relatives.
I agree with you that families can mean many different things. I also agree that family is who you invest time and energy into to retain those relationship.
I enjoyed reading your post. Thanks for sharing,
Katrina