Family

“I don't care about whose DNA has recombined with whose. When everything goes to hell, the people who stand by you without flinching--they are your family.”

― Jim Butcher, Proven Guilty

I don’t do the ‘things to be thankful’ social media stuff.  But I wanted to talk about family. 

I am blessed with loving parents and with siblings, both natural and step.  Has it been perfect?  No.  But this is life, not a Brady Bunch episode.  We have our ups and downs, marriages and divorces, feuds and forgiveness.  But they’re my family, and I love them.

I’m blessed though, in that I have brothers and sisters.  Those who have stood with me when things have gone to hell.  So in the spirit of thanksgiving, I wanted to thank them.  I just don’t know how.

Tim and Jen, my oldest friends and the parents to five wonderful children and now young adults.  Thank you for letting me be your brother, their Godfather and for being there when I needed you, even when I didn’t.  I love you both more than I can ever express.

Tony and Kim, We met in college, but that seems like a lifetime ago.  I’ve not been the best of friend over the years, disappearing for months if not years.  But you are family to me, if you’d called I’d have been there, as you have been for me countless times.  I love you both.

Finally John and Angie. What can I say? 8 years seems like not much, but you both welcomed me, and later Becca with open arms.  You let me share one of the most joyous moments of your life, and you were there for the darkest moments of mine. 

And Beth, I can’t forget you.  What began as “Operation Poodle rescue” blossomed into a friendship and more.  You are my sister, and through thick and thin, I know we’ll be there for each other.

So yes, even with the pain of my loss, I’m blessed to have two families, who will be there for me, and I’ll be there for them.

When everything goes to hell.

“There’s nothing that makes you more insane than family. Or more happy. Or more exasperated. Or more . . . secure.”

― Jim Butcher