What Does Family Mean to You?

This July 4th - family is on my mind big time. Not only do we celebrate the birth of our great nation, but we will celebrate my baby turning 14! 14? Where did the time go? Saturday at 8:21a, I will sing 'Happy Birthday' to Brian for the 14th time (I first sang it to him in the hospital when I delivered him.). And I will celebrate everything that his 14 years have meant to us.

This got me thinking about what family means to me. And really, I have to say that family is the single most important thing in the world to me. When our son needed us, we left material things behind for him. When my sister needed me, I left my house at 4:00a for her. When I needed my parents to be there for me, they were there - unjudging, unwavering in support: THERE. When I needed someone to talk to about all of the things we were going through with DS - my dad, my two best friends & my sister were there. And anyone who may know me personally, will know when I say my family describes itself as "Dysfunction Junction" that it's not an elaboration. BUT, my family is close knit. We're always there for one another. NO. MATTER. WHAT. We are not petty with one another. We do not try to one-up each other. We are family.

Let me tell you what family is NOT to me: an occassional card or phone call, but no visits or real contact. Someone who smiles to your face, but is nasty behind your back. Someone who can't be bothered to be supportive because it's: A.)Inconvenient B.)Embarrassing OR C.) Is not Self-Serving. Family is not fair-weather. Family does not dislike you because you don't fit the mold. Family doesn't ignore you unless they need a favor from you. Family is not family just because you share DNA.

So in conclusion - YES my family is nuts. We're loud. We're non-traditional. We're definitely not perfect. But we are a family in every true sense of the word. We are there when it counts. We are there when it's inconvenient. We are there when it's painful. We are there when it's joyful. We are there when it's embarrassing. We are there because it's Tuesday for Pete's Sake! And if I didn't get several phone calls a week from my mom, dad, and sister.. heartfelt invites for family gatherings every time we come home.. and non-stop support from those family members who don't share my DNA, but share my heart... I'd never know the true joy of family. And when you are watching the fireworks and eating BBQ with the fam - remember this: family is everything and you get to spend the day with yours. :)

What Does Family Mean to You?