The Importance of family

Technically, family is a matter of DNA... But nobody who says “I want a  family,” means “I want a group of genetically similar people.” They want an unbreakable bond of unconditional love and warmth. A soft place to go to when everything seems difficult. And sometimes, getting those things means looking outside our genetic circles. We don’t have to swear allegiance based solely on the blood running through our veins. Sure, blood may be thicker than water, but water is equally necessary to sustain life. For  whatever the reason that we can’t be with our blood-bound families of  origin, there’s so much to be said for choosing someone to stand in  their place. Emphasis on “choosing”, because unlike actual  family, we get to pick them:people who share similar views, people who  understand, people who accept, people who forgive, people who love. This  “chosen family” is truly a gift from above and there’s a level of  comfort and familiarity that you just don’t achieve with regular  “acquaintances”. These are the friendships and relationships that  are next-level, and on a personal level... I’m here for them, because  they’re here for me: the family I chose in the absence of my own. Family is the best and most important gift in our lives, and it is important to embrace and appreciate it every day.