It Takes a Village

Everytime someone asks me about my family I think back to 8th grade when I had to make a family tree for Spanish class and use the Spanish names to go along with the photos of my various family members. This task always seemed daunting to me because while I technically have a rather large family (my mom is the oldest of 7 kids and I have like a zillion cousins) my real family is made up of those people who have come into my life and formed my own custom-made "family" tree. Because my mother moved us from Pennsylvania, where all my extended family lives, to Texas when I was almost 2, I have never really gotten to know my family.  Add this to the fact that I am living proof that it takes a village to raise a child, and I have developed my own sense of what the word family means. Family is not as much about blood relations as it is about people who love you, care about you, and no matter what are ALWAYS there for you.

Yes, I have actual family: my mom and my brother (well technically half-brother), loads of aunts and uncles, cousins, my grandma in PA, mix in my newly acquired family from my hubs and yes its quite the brood. But then how do I classify those people who truly have been my familial unit? I've got a cast of sisters, second moms, aunts, and stand-in dad and mom. So, let me introduce you to my "family."

V&D - These are what I sometimes call my "godparents" for lack of a better descriptive term. But V is my well, role model, mentor, kick me in the butt when I misbehave person. She has been my twirling teacher since I was about 3, and well I'm just not sure what I would do without her. D is her husband. He acquired me by marriage (just what he wanted an 18 year old college freshman...) He is the best! He has shown my love, compassion, trust, and he has taught me an appreciation for music, food, wine, laughter, but most of all has shown me what a true father is. I am truly blessed.

Aunt K - She is V's sister and my well Aunt. She is probably the smartest person I know, a GREAT cook, and well-travelled. She has a wit about her that I adore and well she's an English professor, so she keeps my grammer in check! She recently moved to Texas so its great having her close.

My sister - Well, ok so not technically, but I love her to death. I met her at a pageant and well we have been bonded ever since. We look alike, talk alike, act a like, and have a shared love for ladybugs. She graduates from law school on Saturday and is getting married soon. I do not know what I would do without her. She is there when I need a hug, pep talk, or a swift kick in the rear.

My other sister - She lives in NYC. We met in the 6th grade and well I love her. We may go months without talking, but when we do catch up its like time never stoppped. She amazes me with her grace, poise, and strength.

My Red Raider - She has been my best friend since the 7th grade, was my MOH, and well I do not know how I would have survived without her and her family. She is talented, not a good cook, but is the hostest with the mostest and always there when you need her.

My munchkin - She was in my wedding and is now a freshman in high school, but to me she will always be munchkin. I've known her since she was born and well I was hooked. She is mature beyond her years, but silly as can be. She is smart, kind, and a good little twirler. I know she is off to great things.

My Law BFF - I met her 1L year second semester when she decided she would go into anaphylactic shock in class. I learned more about her in 2 minutes than I learned about her in 3 years! Literally, she told me all her stats, etc... on the drive from school to ER. We have been pretty inseperable since (well minus distance). She brings me down to Earth, gives me the straight answer, not the BS one. She listens and never judges. She calms my nerves, eases my tension, and just knows when I need her. In three short years we developed a bond that strong and I am blessed to know her.

Should-be sis - she is my sorority sister. I worked with her mom in college and after, and well we just adopted each other. We decided that we "should-be" sisters,  but we aren't. She is perhaps the most kind and loving person I know. Her heart truly is made of gold and she comes with this great family who I love to death! She also makes a mean chocolate-chip cookie!

These are just a few of the key members of my family. I've got a second family from high school that I love. V&D's next door neighbors, well they are wondeful just awesome. I've got twirling sisters, pageant sisters, sorority sisters, adopted families, a "circuit" family, a set of Divas who got me through college and beyond. I've got a Mama Kay, a Mama Kim, and Ms. Casey, and lots of others.

I truly believe that a family is more than blood. The bond I have with these people is stronger than with my actual family sometimes. They have loved and cared for me and would give me a kindey if I needed one ( I hope!). I took the approach that your family doesn't necessarily provide you with all the love and support you need. I never felt deprived of a father because I had a great male role model in D and Mr. Casey. When my mom couldn't make it to a twirling competition or cheer event, I had a slew of "moms" willing and eager to help me. They have celebrated my accomplishments, grieved my losses, and watched my walk down the aisle. I have never felt alone because I know I am surrounded by angels. See, my family is very special because they do not have to love me, they choose to. ~The Illegal Blonde