Family

October 15, 2019

What defines a family?

According to Merriam-Webster its: the basic unit in society traditionally consisting of two parents rearing their children

But if you scroll past the definition,

You see the question;

What is family?

And put very simply the answer is different for everyone.

My family are not those whom I call sir or ma’am.

Mother or father.

They are the ones who have been there for me when I needed them most.

The people who raised me may be parents,

But they aren’t my family.

My family is made through our connections to one another;

Our bonds and memories.

I love my family.

My family cares for me,

And encourages me,

And helps me up when I fall down.

But my parents always seem to be the one who's pushing,

And instead of giving me a band aid they seem to rub salt in the wound.

My family loves me for me.

My parents love me for existing.

For existing as this part of them that they have created.

Almost like a trophy;

Take proper care of it, clean it, and show it off.

But what if I can’t be a shiny bright gold?

What if I am a rusty silver?

Instead of being proud, my parents insist on trying to paint me gold.

But that paint chips off.

And my parents no longer walk around showing me off.

Family loves you just for being you.

Even if I’m a rusty tinfoil medal,

My family loves me.

My parents love is by genetics,

But not all family has to be by blood.

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