They lift you up.
They let you down.
They make your head spin and eyes roll.
They borrow money you know you’ll never see again.
They lend a hand when you need it most.
They are heirlooms and hand-me-downs.
They know you better than anyone else and can hurt you like no one else.
They make you laugh and not just chuckle, but full on tummy holding, side aching, tears running down your face laugh.
They make you cry by opening old wounds or creating new ones.
They are birthday parties, summer BBQs, college graduations, weddings and anniversaries.
They are home runs, three-pointers and touch downs.
They are teachers and confidants, cooks and built-in babysitters.
They manipulate, calculate and complicate.
They share your secrets, your history and your eye color.
They are your past, your present and your future.
They support, frustrate and hog the bathroom.
They become estranged and then they reunite.
They are game nights and pancakes and holiday traditions.
They are baby bottles, pizza deliveries and mom’s famous casserole.
They talk, listen, yell and argue.
They celebrate.
They grieve.
They remember.
They hurt.
They hug.
They are a force to be reckoned with.
They are aunts, brothers, nephews, sisters, fathers, cousins, uncles, brothers, in-laws, grandparents, nieces, and mothers.
They are home.
They are family.
They are love.
Family is everything.
Jen says
This was a beautiful post. 🙂
KLZ says
They really are everything there is.
Renee says
Perfect!
Family, exactly.
Liz says
and, unfortunately, they can't be chosen much like our friends. 🙂
Mrs. Call Me Crazy says
That is awesome.
Leah says
This is very sweet. I'm glad u are my family. Did you write it?
Sophie says
Lovely post Tonya xoxo
Carolyn (temysmom) says
This is what I wished my family was growing up. Now I'm hoping it's the kind of family I will be giving my children.
I'm a full-time mummy says
Beautiful post!
Catheryn @ PinkBibs says
Very meaningful post! Each & every word of it.
Tough Cookie Mommy says
So true, you have to take the good with the bad because, in the end, they are still your family.