Family...I suppose my definition is not the norm!

I love the quote at the beginning of this blog. It, and another quote I heard on TV this morning, are the inspirations for this entry. 


The quote I heard on TV was actually from Frank Fritz on the History Channel show, "American Pickers" (which is one of my favorite shows, by the way!). Frank said that "Family, health, and friends" are what matters in life. I immediately thought to myself: change family to faith and I will agree, Frank. But, the negative side of me just kinda melted away for a minute and I realized that I could add faith to the beginning of that, without removing family. (And, I could add relationships, but that's a different blog altogether. lol) 


It's no surprise or breaking news to most of you that I have had some struggles with my family over the years.When saying this, I am not referring to my immediate family, but most family outside of my parents. No, I am not going into details on here about it, because a public blog is not the place to air the "dirty family laundry". Also, I must say that I am not implying that I have problems with all my family. I have some amazing family members whom I love dearly and would not trade for all the riches in the world. 


That being said, when I think of family...aside from The Marmie and a few cousins, I don't think of my blood relatives. There are other people in my life who come to mind when the word family is mentioned to me. 


If you follow me on Facebook or Twitter (you should if you don't!), you have probably heard me mention my "2nd family", especially on Sundays and holidays. My "2nd family" is actually The Registrar and The Minister's family. Their parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc...have truly become my family over the years. It is incredibly special to me that they consider me family, as well. The Minister's parents call me their daughter, without hesitation. My heart smiles every time. The Marmie and my precious late Daddy will forever be my beloved parents, of course...but, it is nice to have a 2nd set of parents.  :)


The same can be said for The BigSis. For over 25 years now, her parents have been like parents to me and her brother has always been my big brother. And, again, I can say the same for The New Mom's family, as well as The Teacher's parents. They consider me family and have for so long. 


Yes, in reality, I suppose you could say that all of these people are just special friends. I just can't seem to agree with that, though. I think family can be defined differently for every person. And, I am just lucky enough to have friends who may not have the same blood as me coursing through their veins, but our hearts are connected and that's where it counts to me. 


I must say, so there is no confusion, that I will always, and I mean ALWAYS, love my real "blood" family, even if I choose not to be around them or vice verse. In the near future, I am hoping to restore some relationships with family I haven't spoken to in some time. So, even through the anger, hurt, and frustration, I fully intend to do the very best I can to forgive, forget, apologize, and restore with a few family members I miss. 


Through all this rambling, I suppose I am just trying to say to Frank Fritz: You are somewhat correct. Family, health, and friends are important. But, add faith and relationships to that and I will be on the same page as you...as long as I can have a disclaimer at the bottom with my own definition of family. :)