Family isn’t Just by Blood

Family isn’t Just by Blood

What makes a family a family? Can family only be a real family when all siblings in the family have the same dad and mom? Can family only be a real family when everyone lives under the same roof in the family? I believe that family isn’t just by blood, it is defined by something more.

I have a boyfriend named Michael. He has literally saved my life. My grandma died, when I was sixteen years old. I didn’t know Michael then and I didn’t know how he would change my life forever, but he did. I told him about the troubling thoughts I had. He helped me realize life is a gift and even if my grandma wasn’t here; she would always be with me. My dad just passed away last April and my life has been forever changed. Michael has helped me realize its ok to be happy even though my dad is gone and it’s ok to be really sad sometimes. Michael knows me better than I know myself. He loves me for everything I am and everything I’m not.

I have many friends, but only a few that are as close to me as family. My best guy friend Tommy is the one friend that has never left my side. My family is Tommy’s family and his family is mine. My best friend Emily and I have realized that we aren’t going anywhere without the other. She has always stuck up for me, and believed in me. I also have four other best friends named Ali, Katie, Michelle, Stephanie who are always there when I need to let things out. Each of them gives me excellent advice.

My parents are my heroes because they are the strongest people I have ever meant. My father was married to Gloria before he married my Mom and Gloria was married once before. She had a son named Tony and a daughter named Charisma. He ended up adopting Charisma. My dad didn’t adopt Tony, because he was named after his father and he thought it would be disrespectful to take that away. Together my dad and Gloria had a son Carlo. My mom and dad together had Ryan and me. My brother Tony has a daughter named Tori and she has a daughter named Isabelle. Charisma has a daughter named Drew. I have two nieces and one great niece. My parents brought three families together.

Not every family has the same mom and dad and some families don’t even have brothers and sisters in them. Some family members on the outside to others might only look like friends, but they are family too. Family isn’t just by blood. Family is so much more. Family can only be defined by what it truly is. It’s love.