“Family isn’t defined only by last names or by blood; it’s defined by commitment and by love. It means showing up when they need it most. It means having each other’s backs. It means choosing to love each other even on those days when you struggle to like each other. It means never giving up on each other.” – Dave Willis
We have a blended family. A family of “steps.” Only we don’t like that phrase around here.
We decided to be a family of choice when we got engaged. Sure, Kevin and I loved each other, and our kids were adjusting every year to the idea that we were sticking together. But it didn’t seem to be enough. We planned a family vacation a few months before the wedding, and it included a family commitment ceremony for the five of us. To prepare, we each considered what it meant going forward for us to be a chosen family. We took time to describe what being a family meant for each of us before we all paraglided off Aspen Mountain.
It was an exhilarating way to commit and a great way to begin.
We’ve never looked back, even through the rough patches. By choosing in, we owned our commitment to one another beyond genetics. We are a chosen family.
Day 20: As you celebrate this abundant holiday, who is your chosen family? Those people you’d call at 2am, rely upon when you’re most vulnerable, and share your most authentic self with. Tell them, whether by text, at dinner, by phone or in person, and let today represent an opportunity to be grateful for all they’ve been and done with you.
Categories: Sue's Daily Blog
