The Meaning of Family: A Reflection on Love and Healing

Family. The word alone can evoke a spectrum of emotions—from deep love to profound pain. But what exactly does "family" mean? For some, it's defined by blood relations, while for others, it extends far beyond genetics, encompassing the people we choose to let into our innermost circles. I'm a firm believer that family isn't just about who you're born with—it's about who you choose to be with.

Tonight, one of my besties invited me to his sister's 50th birthday party. At the party, I witnessed the incredible bond between my bestie and his two sisters. The love, the laughter, the shared history—it was all so palpable, so real. Watching them together made me think of my own siblings and just how blessed I am to have them in my life. We may have our differences, but when it comes down to it, they're my people. They're the ones who have stood by me through thick and thin, who have loved me at my best and my worst.

And believe me when I say, I've seen some pretty dark days. Recently, I've been coming out of a severe depression—so severe that on more than one occasion, I thought I'd be better off gone. But that's a story for another blog. The point is, I'm still here, healing, and finding my way back to the light. And I owe so much of that to my siblings, along with my father and a handful of close friends and relatives who are my chosen family. Their love and support have been my lifeline, pulling me back from the brink and reminding me that life is worth living.

The joy, love, and happiness I witnessed at that birthday party tonight were contagious. It was a beautiful reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is always light to be found if we have the right people around us.

So, if you're reading this and feeling alone, please know that you are not. Family, in whatever form it takes, is out there for you. Your story is worth continuing, and your people are waiting to be found. Don't give up on yourself, and don't give up on finding your people. Whether they share your DNA or not, they're out there, ready to love you through the highs and lows of life.

And if you already have your people, hold them close. Let them know how much they mean to you. Because at the end of the day, it's the connections we share, the love we give and receive, that truly make life worth living.

Here's to family, in all its beautiful forms.