Have you ever heard someone say that "family is number one to me?"
I often laugh at this, because people's ideas of "family" are so all over the place these days. Are they talking about their wife and kids? Their parents and siblings? Their grandparents? In-laws? Friends? Neighbors? Pets?
I like to think that my family is very important to me, too.
And, to answer your question, I consider my "family" as my husband, brother, parents, in-laws, grandparents, aunts, cousins, and beyond.
That's a lot of people to keep track of!
Last weekend I took my sister-in-law to my parents house out-of-state, and during the visit we did our normal visit things, like family dinner with my parents and grandparents, and games after dinner. When we got back home from our trip, my sister-in-law made a comment to my husband on how much she "loves my family." That really touched my heart, because she was referring to my family, as hers. She went on to say how inviting my parents and grandparents are to her and how she loved having family dinners together and playing "chicken foot" after dinner and having fun together. She even said, "That's how a family should be."
She and my husband did not grow up like I did, and hearing her say that, and knowing that I grew up like that and she and my husband didn't made me appreciate my "family" even more.
But, "family" would not be possible to me without my parents. They are the ones who brought me into this crazy family to begin with.
I am one of the lucky ones who actually really truly loves her parents. I always have. I may not have always liked them from time to time, but I have always truly loved them.
I really miss having my parents live in the same town as me. And I have found it hard since they moved to keep feeling close to them via email and text and occasional visits.
This is just a wrap around way of saying that I really love you, mom and dad.
I know I have put you through lots of troubles and I have caused a lot of hurt growing up, but I didn't mean it. You two loving me the way you do is something I will always cherish and try my best to show to my future children.
Others may think they have the title, but mom and dad, you really are the world's best parents!
