Family

It has been so long since I've written anything, but something inspired me to write tonight. I was in my bed, about to go to sleep and I felt compelled to just write.

We sometimes wonder why God puts the people in our lives that he does. But, I have realized that those people really are here for a real purpose. This past week has not been the easiest, to say the least, but God has put certain people in my life for a specific reason. My mom is there to unconditionally take my side and say she's going to kick the butt of anyone who does me wrong, my friends are there to allow me to vent and pump me up, and my husband is there to offer me a shoulder to cry on when life gets too tough.

I would be nowhere without my family. But when I speak of my family, it doesn't just include those I am related to by blood. My family extends beyond my immediate family. My sister once said of me that my family is the most important thing to me and I am extremely loyal. I can't argue with her on that point. Once you are a true friend, you are more like family, and I love my family.

My mom has always been my protector and the one I go to first when something is troubling me. She would be considered the ultimate protector. She doesn't want any harm to come to her family, and when she sees or hears of a threat, she immediately goes on the offensive. I love her for that. She's the one who will go out and beat up the neighborhood bully because they said or did something wrong to her family. Everybody needs someone like that in their lives and I'm glad that someone is my mom. She is always in my corner, no matter what.

My husband and my sister are the rational ones. They are the ones you go to before you do anything. My sister gets it from my dad and I probably tend to fall more on my mom's side of the house. They are on your side, but will help you calm down, talk it through, and figure out a solution (even if it isn't the irrational one you were thinking about). They usually get a couple visits from me when I'm upset since I know they can really help me talk it through. The first time around, I don't necessarily want their advice because my emotional side takes over, but by the second time around, I'm more ready to listen. My dad fell into this category. He was the one who I always went to in order to talk things through. 

Then I have my friends. My friends are so important to me. I am not the best at getting out of my shell, but when I do, I make the best of friends. These people are there to let me vent my frustrations when I need to, but they also stand up for me when I'm down. I am so lucky to have the friends that I do in my life. And those who I consider a friend, are a part of my extended family. They range in age and life situation, but they are a part of who I am, and I am eternally grateful for them. While we may not have weekly get togethers, I know that they are there for me and that I can call on them if and when I need them.

At the end of the day, life is hard. You need your family. Family is not just those people who you were born into or married into, but the people who you can call, text, FB message, or snapchat at 10 PM or 6 AM to simply talk to. 

Tonight, I am missing a big part of my family. I am missing the person I would talk things out with. I am missing my dad. Sometimes life just sucks. But thankfully, I have some amazing family in my life who are willing to step in and be exactly who I need when I need them, even when they don't know it. I hope they know that I am willing to be just the same in their lives. 

The bottom line is, the definition of family should be modified. Family isn't just who you are related to, it is much more than that. Family includes those you are related to, but also those people who are there for you. As Barbara Bush said, "To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there." I thank all my family who have been there for me, from my children giving me unconditional hugs, to my mom wanting to defend me at all costs, to my husband who supports whatever I do, my sister who tries to rationalize with me, my dad who was my sounding board and everyone else who has been there for me in all of life's trials and tribulations. You are my family.