What Makes a Family?

I meant to write this yesterday, I really did, but then I had class all day and my roommate and I drove home yesterday evening. 

Today's topic is about what makes a family. I think about this a lot because my mom feels like her grandsons aren't really "hers" because they're aren't blood related. I always tell her, "Well, by that logic, I'm not really your daughter, then." 

She doesn't like that response because of course I'm her daughter. 

That got me to thinking, what really makes a family? Is it shared genetics? Is it those who take care of you, love you, when no one else will? 

I think it's all of the above. No matter what the circumstances are, biology does not always dictate family. As you can see, I was adopted by my parents. If we went purely on the biology base, I am not their daughter. But they raised me, cared for me, provided for me, loved me, etc. How can I not be their child? 

I am. 

My point here is that it doesn't matter if the people who you consider your parents gave you life or not. If they give you everything you need, provide, care, love, look out for your safety, etc., then I think they're your family. 

I love my family and would do anything for them. Biology doesn't matter in my family at all. 

With that being said, though my mother will probably never lay eyes on this post, I am your daughter, and your grandsons are your grandsons. Blood relation or not. 

Au revoir et à demain, 

Rachel