Family by Love

 I have family by blood, those whom I share genetic makeup with. I had no choice in who I got and they didn't choose me. 

I have family by marriage. I am navigating what those relationships will look like in the midst of a divorce. Some relationships I'll hold on to others I will let go. I got to pick some of these people to have in my life and I do get to choose who to keep. 

Then there is family by LOVE. 

This includes my best friend Natalie, her little brother and her parents. I've known them all for 30 years. I am the only non-family member who doesn't have to knock if their front door is open I am welcome. They have seen me through every stage of life and I am so thankful for them

My 2 best friends from college- who married each other- yes I am truly blessed. They have made 2 beautiful little girls who are my nieces by love. These little girls who I have watch grow from birth, who have worked hard to form bonds with so that they can have their own relationship with me.  I joke with their parents that I need to make sure someone checks on me when I'm old. 

This trip home I got time with family by blood and family by love and I am so grateful for all of them in unique and different ways. There has been a lot of loss the last few weeks and it's good to feel the love and support from those who had no choice in being my family and those who daily choose every day to be the family by love. 

C