We can choose our family if we want to or need to. I choose to have affirming people in my life and to allow the rest to find their own place in the sunshine. Sometimes it hurts, often it is hard, but I have been forced to let people I desperately love to make the choice to not love me. Of three siblings, one understands. Of a dozen cousins, half are friendly, none get it. My wife would like to see me dead.
They are not my family.
My family includes a shaman, a singer of songs, lovers, people of the earth. They all will celebrate with me, some in cyberspace, some in real space. I try to bring the former into the latter whenever I can. Sometimes when relationships blow up in my face my family is all that keeps me anything like sane. Sometimes, I help them by loving them without preconditions.
My family is Tessa, and Jess, and Patty, and SJ, and Suzy, and a dozen more scattered around the globe. My family is JR, and Eric, and Regina, Shan, and a dozen more here within arms reach. My family is composed of people (and a few dogs) who have chosen love over biology, authenticity over artifice, acceptance over dogma.
My family is without limits and without bounds. When my limitations and fears overwhelm me, they are here - always! I love them and would give all I have to bring them joy. They love me and share their strength and hope. It makes me humble and grateful.
Kira, Bibi, you are welcome to join.
Julie