Family

It's a theme this week. Someone very dear to my heart wished me and my family well. I clearly don't speak to her often enough, because I have long considered her family.

There are so many people whom I consider family, some because they mean so much to me, some related by blood, some I feel a strong connection to (whether I've met them or not) and some just because I believe we are all part of a human family.

"Moments come and moments pass us by

We can make them make a difference if we try."

- Lyrics, "Family Reunion"

(Tanya Diona, Lawrence J. Diggs, Russell Graham)

A close blood relative and I used to have a saying... "(I) Love you like you're not related." At the time, we meant it as a compliment. If we loved you like you were not related, it also meant that we would be polite to you. We would take care to treat you especially well. As time went on though, the saying changed. It became, "Love you like you're related." It turned out that THAT was an even bigger compliment. It means that we'll be honest with you, even if what we have to say is not what you want to hear. It means that we feel comfortable enough to be emotional in front of you, knowing that you won't pass judgment. It means we are free to be ourselves around you. It means... everything.

"You don't think you know me

think that I'm a stranger here

Missing the connection

Running in your own direction

Overlook the similarity

in  you and me"

- Lyrics, Family Reunion

(Tanya Diona, Lawrence J. Diggs, Russell Graham)

As we wrap up this intense year, I'll take some time to reflect. I'll prioritize. I'll make sure that people whom I consider to be family know it.

Click here for "Family Reunion" on Spotify (Tanya Diona)

With Love,

T

P.S.

I hope you all know... I consider you family. Thank you for joining me here. xo