Just Family

Holidays for me are iffy. 

 I say that because like most people, I'm torn between obligations to family, family... you know, the blood related... and then there are the ones that are not family, per se, but that you are very close to that know you -- I mean, REALLY know you.

And I'm not saying that I'm not close, close to my blood family.. 
(so for those blood family reading this, don't freak out.) 
It's just that for myself, I am closer to the ones that are not blood.

Now hear me out...  You see, in my blood family, I am the "different" one.
The black sheep...  I've heard that all of my life.
I am the one that has different views from the rest...
I am the one that has differing political stance...
I am the one with different religious views...
I am the one that prefers hand made instead of store bought...
I am the one that grows the vegetables for my salad instead of dining in a restaurant.
I am the one that goes through the garbage to pull out recycling.
I am different....  That's what I've been told.
ALL MY LIFE.

And so naturally, like most mammals, I find community.
And I am so thankful.
Because my friends have become family.
And this year it was wonderful.
Because everyone was there...
Friends and family.... But really, for me, just family.

And for my blood family reading this...
 This post is not at all against you in any way.
Because there is no way that I would be where I am in life without you...
And I am so thankful for you....
But I am also very glad to be so different.
...and I hope that my children grow up to be just like me.  ;)