Family Ties

Just what constitutes a family? Mother, father, brother, sister are all terms that usually fall under this category. How often though, are those just titles rather than terms of endearment? Technically all that hold those terms can rightfully be considered family. Then you go out a little further and you add terms like aunt, uncle, grandparents, cousins. All these people can be called family. Who hasn't heard the saying, "blood is thicker than water"? Is this truly the case though? So often those we hold close are only closer to hurt us rather than help us. Sadly just having genetic ties does not really make you family. Family in the purest since of the term. That which is people that are there for you. People that are in your corner and truly care about you. More times than not, the people we surround ourselves with are rarely there because of their similar blood line. We live in a society where mothers as well as fathers can simply walk away from their inherited responsibility of caring for their children, or even worse can cause them harm. The same goes for children's regard for their parents. Yes simply having the same blood does not a family make. No sadder condition is there than to have no one that you can rely on. People that you can trust, cry with, hang with, and share genuine love. The very notion of family is that those people can call on each other in times of happiness and sorrow. No greater feeling is there than to know that that there are people you can call upon as family. Friends and family are constant necessity that no individual can escape. We all need people. Often more times than we realize people need us as well. It is circle of care, concern, and love that gives us the strength to endure the pressures and trials we face on a daily basis. So ask yourself who are tied to your family? TO BE CONTINUED...............