Family

 

          Hello, gentle readers! Hope you are all well and staying safe!

Well, here it is again. My turn to post my blog. And I have the perfect topic – family, whether related by blood or simply because you adore each other.

Yesterday, I met a dear friend for breakfast, which we have done at least once a month for the past several years (although over the past year, due to the pandemic, we weren’t able to…we’ve both been vaccinated now so our once monthly get-together is back on. We are responsible though and continue to wear our masks). As I was leaving her company, I told her that I loved her (as I always do) because over the years, we’ve become more than just friends. We’ve become family. She’s the sister I always wanted.

The mistress of this blogsite is also the sister I’ve always wanted. There are others, too—brothers and sisters of my heart (I am indeed blessed!)

After that amazing breakfast, my DH and I went to a small birthday celebration for the ninety-year old matriarch of a very special family. Again, neither my DH and I are related to this group by blood, but we are welcomed and loved as if we were nevertheless. It’s both humbling and exhilarating – a bond that is almost deeper than blood, an acceptance of who I am and the joy of knowing that I am loved for me and not because they have to. I feel the same about them. The hardest part right now is not being able to hug…we are making do with elbow bumps though (I miss the hugging…I'm a hugger by nature and this family gives the best hugs!)

I’ve noticed that in the stories I write, friends generally become family because, in life, that’s what we do. We gather people close and keep them close. I truly believe humans are not meant to be alone. We want company. We desire communication and touch—a hug, a kiss on the cheek between old friends, a pat on the back, the simple act of holding someone’s hand or helping them in some small way (as I did yesterday, when I had the privilege to help a very young at heart woman cross the street).

Some of us are quite lucky in that regard, whether our companions are other people or a member of the animal kingdom. I know I am and I’m thankful every day for the special “family” in my life.

Stay well! Stay safe! And remember to spread kindness wherever you go!

Marie