“What
is family? They were the people who claimed you. In good, in bad, in parts or
in whole, they were the ones who showed up, who stayed in there, regardless. It
wasn't just about blood relations or shared chromosomes, but something wider,
bigger. We had many families over time. Our family of origin, the family we
created, and the groups you moved through while all of this was happening:
friends, lovers, sometimes even strangers. None of them perfect, and we
couldn't expect them to be. You can't make any one person your world. The trick
was to take what each could give you and build your world from it.” – Sarah
Dessen
I have been blessed enough that I have many different
families. My biological family that I eat at the dinner table and share a last
name with. The family I spend or have spent forty hours a week with working.
Whether it was scooping ice cream or sitting in the back of a training room,
they too have become family. But more importantly, I have created a family of
friends. They are the ones who pick me up when I am lost, listen when I am sad,
feed me, and have helped to shape me into the woman I am today. This means
whether I met you three months ago, or three years ago – these people are
incredibly important to me. Middle school, high school, college, Post College,
UMass, or from work – all of you are unique individuals who inspire me to grow
every day. Friends are family you chose, and I have to say I have the best
sistahs in town.
My best friend and I always talk about a Sarah Dessen
quote, “Life is an awful, ugly place to not have a best friend”. And when you
think about it, it’s so true. There’s nothing better than having a best friend
around. I have been lucky enough that mine isn’t going anywhere. And I? Ha.
She’s so stuck me. She has now been in a relationship for about a year. I have
to say; I think it brought us closer together. We don’t fight. Usually she’ll
be like you’re being dramatic, and I’ll quit it. Or I’ll tell her how I am
feeling. And instead it turns into this apologize fest because we don’t fight.
Ever. I can’t count one time. And it’s really amazing knowing you always have
one person in your corner. The president of my fan club, my number one fan, and
my cheerleader – she has the hardest job. But I can’t imagine where I would be
without having one person I know I can always count on. And I know that no matter what happens,
what choices she makes or how far apart we may live – I’m her number one fan
too, her best friend.
The list of friends that come after my best friend are
compiled of old co-workers, UMB friends, UMass Friends, my sistahs, and high
school friends. While they are some times a mismatched of personalities and
backgrounds, they are the best people. They all have a story to share, an
opinion, and a sense of humor. They are the best family that I have gathered.
And I am thankful for each and every one of them. They sometimes don’t know
what they mean to me. They welcome me, make me laugh, and as I have gotten
older our bonds have strengthened. I know I am not the best at expressing what
feel. But I hope they listen to me when I say, I love each and every one of
you. You are the best kind of family. You are my family. You are my backbone.
It’s a good feeling knowing you have people who believe
in you. I recommend anyone to surround themselves with the best people
imaginable.
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