Family

I no longer view the concept of family as just blood relations but rather from the lens of those who get us and want to participate in our lives. While shared genetics and a similar background may encourage that, there is no guarantee that bonds will be formed that best those we foster with the friendships we later make. After all, those are the people with whom we find affinity based on shared interests and characters.

If some relative does not bring us anything other than window dressing conversation during holidays, I might suggest we aren't feeding into anything fruitful or meaningful. So while we may want the absolute very best for them, that does not mean we are obliged to force kinship beyond a naturally formed level. If they aren't even interested in our identity, it makes it all even less worthwhile. I won't be too bold in suggesting we all have family members who fit this description.

At this point in my life I am less a creature of appearance and obligation than I have ever been and thank God for it.