For many family is defined as people who are in blood relation to you. However for some, such as myself, family is more accurately defined as the people who treat you like you're family- even if you're not. Having a not so close biological family can be lonely, and I often envied my friends who had large, close families. It was later that I realized it is not blood that makes you family but the bond you share with other people.

Both of my maternal grandparents died before I was born so I never had the chance to meet them. I sometimes wondered what traits I got from them and what they would say about me now. My paternal grandparents were never really in the picture and being an only child I often felt alone and curious of my biological family. However, I luckily have two un biological grandparents who take care of me and treat me just as they would their own flesh and blood. They have been constantly present in my life since I was born and I have never had to question their love for me. Even if they're crazy. I use to wish they were blood related to me until I realized how truly insignificant blood relation really is, that you just do not need blood to validate a relationship you have with someone.

Being an only child growing up I was generally treated like an adult by my parents as my cousins were always distant and not really in the picture. Being treated as an adult was positive and negative in different ways. It was nice to be recognized for my maturity at a young age but that did not stop me from wanting to hang out with people my own age and participate in normal kid activities. I would always wish I had a sibling to play with or annoy but instead all I had was myself. Around 6th grade a family joined my church, and without thinking much about it, I quickly gained two older "sisters" and a second set of parents. In a few short years I had formed a relationship that filled every only child void I had because whether I liked it or not I had two "sisters" to guide me, offer me advice, annoy me and give me a hard time. We have laughed together and cried together, and I rarely even think about the fact that we're not blood related. Because of this relationship I have learned so much about who I am and again the insignificant role blood plays in family.

My unique "family" has played a major role in my life and continues to do so today. I am constantly reminded that I am loved and cared for no matter my family tree. It is truly insane how life works out and brings the right people into your life just when you need them the most. I am so thankful my life has worked out this way and even if my family tree is a little confusing, they make it all worth it.