Family doesn't always mean blood relative
 

In my life (and you may have parallels in yours) I've known myself to be part of several families at different points of my life.

Of course the first was my family of birth. Mom, Dad and 1 brother.
2 and 3 were Mom's and Dad's families. Combined they are many, nearly legion in number.

College started to teach me that there were other sorts of families: Ones which choices built, or circumstances required.
dorm mates, roommates, my Christian fellowship group's members. These were bonded together to varying degrees by love or care for each other.

Post college I found "family" at the church I attended, in a small group there. (their small groups were called flocks, pretty funny name but the groups were "family" through thick and thin--bonds made of love and faith.)

I've been in other small groups and support groups and those can be families too. I've also worked in some close-knit office groups: they have their own sense of "family." Not always a functional one, but not without the good moments, or the care.

Then I married and a whole new "family" started, almost. But again, it was one where the bonds of love would prove stronger than those of blood. 4 years into our marriage a young lady and a young man chose us to parent their child. Youth and circumstance catalyzed their need to give that gift; one infertility had denied us. The bonds of love can equal those of blood, if we let them.

I've seen segments of this "fan" group be family too. Checking on those going through tough times. Worrying over each other when things aren't right. Supporting each other. Celebrating when the good comes along.

Thanks for being family.
Jewels

(((((((((((((((Jewels)))))))))))))))))) :love:

Jewels,

Yes!

Well said, short ...er I mean little sis :D

At least you and Titon didn't tower over me as much as MF. :LOL:

Out of me, Don and Micheal, *I* was the short one! :LOL:

All this mushy stuff is getting me all warm and fuzzy inside.

Believe me that's a scary thought!

What is it with all the short people anyways.

Yeesh!

;)

Young pups... hmp!

:music: 5 foot 2 eyes of blue lordy how I'm telling you has anybody seen my gal :music: http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/...mileys2/05.gif

Young pups?

Tell that to my hairline.

:D

:devil:

Awwwww so true Jewels :heart:

Family can be made up of more than genetics, and I too have seen it here.
This place is like home and everyone here is a part of it. :D

Short & cuddly. That's what's with us.

Anyone up for a group hug for Don & Darrell? :naughty:

Jewels

http://www.galacticsenate.com/style_...t/grouphug.gif




;)

I ain't huggin' them!

They'd look at me funny! :D

shoot! growing up in my family when my siblings and I made new friends and wre allowed to bring them to the house they ended up calling my parents mom and dad by the time they left. Same thing with us at our friends homes!

i lost my mom 3 years ago this coming Tuesday and with her all the family I had. NOw here, a stranger among you all, I feel like I've finally found something that has been missing for quite along time.the empty hole in my heart has been filled by the love and warmth that you have shown me....You all have a large part of my heart and soul and I feel that I will truely never be alone again.
Thank you for making my days a little less lonely andfilled with a love that I can never explain but will always cherish forever until the day I die. I love all of you.
Breea

I am happy that you feel apart of a greater family Breea. And that you have found
something warm and caring here. There is alway some one on line and to talk is to let your fingers do the talking . some one will soon respond and chat. :thumbsup:

((((((((((((((((Breea!!))))))))))))))))))))))))))) :rose: :love:

Truer words were never spoken. After all, I have millions of brothers and sisters.