The memories of my hardships and the importance of family are revived each time I am to write something about myself. The phrase “family first” is a phrase where you think about who family are and 9 out of 10 times it’s your mother, father, brother, sister, wife and kids, the people we are forced to call family through our blood. But here I realise that the relationships I have had, and still have, also cause thoughts and feelings which relate to this higher intimacy between human beings.
Because in our mind and heart there are people who know us better than anyone, they can come over whenever and we’ve given them a key to the house, and our family claims them as one of their own. Coming over, asking where we are if they haven’t heard from us in a while is what people do who want to check up on us and it’s fair to say that these are the people who have a tight hold on our hearts.
The word family doesn’t just suit any person, and when I want someone to know exactly how important they are to me, that is the word that gets used because no one else can ever be that to me. People may think they know me, but that one friend who changed my life for the better is the one who can see beyond my fake self to the genuine me. Perhaps if my family had bailed me out, I wouldn’t have needed that outside support, but, it was that one person who filled the void.
I have a friend that has been the anchor that has held me steady through many a stormy night. He was the one who really supported me, who checked up on me every time I was feeling a little bit down in health to make sure that I ate, and even dragged me out for walks when I just wanted to stay in bed. He was always out of his own comfort zone to make sure I was comfortable. His support was everything to me, more valuable than anything my blood brothers could ever do for me. And, though not by blood, he is family to me I can tell you that much.
It’s wonderful when a friend is that lifeline, somebody who’s not related to you but will make your life easier. The connection may seem to be greater than many family ties. After all, who else gets to be rewarded simply as “mother” or “father” based on the fact of having birthed? That’s not enough. Other children, however, are not worthy to receive their parents’ care as they bring dishonor to the family through their actions. Family is not just about blood, it’s also much about love and connection.
Family is not about the people you are related to, but the friends that we make. If it were just about blood, we would not see parents disowning their children or foster families for love. The power and value of one’s relationship actually has more to do with emotional and no so much biological connections. The ones who can touch your heart and bring you up are family.
Some people become your hope when you are in low spirits. When you’re in a state of loss, they assist in steering your hand. On those days when you are down, they are the ones who come to your rescue. Reflect on the people in your life who have demonstrated such love to you. A person who makes sacrifices for your happiness is a bond that characterizes a person as family.
Family means love and sacrifice The people who would assist you in case of need are your family, period. Not only is it the responsible thing to do, it’s love. Maybe you have friends who have done that for you, even when it was not easy for them. I have a friend that no matter what, he is there for me. I do care about him as a person because he is family to me whether or not that’s by blood.
It is worth mentioning that some friends are like families to us than our own relatives. When things are looking up, those family members as likely turn up with their expect and demand to be treated like family. Maybe, they need a little help to remember what family really means. The people that love you and support you, without any conditions, are the ones that you should love and trust. Not those who love you only because you happen to be genetically related.
Your closet Friends, who genuinely support you in your down time are your true family. So, think about such people you have in your life and those who are your family by blood. Which people are your family, actually?