What defines a family? Family is all the descendants of a common ancestor. The real question: is this only people who are blood related family, or is family really just the people who are always there and make the biggest impact on your life? 

To me, family is not about the blood; it is about the love that binds people together. 

1. Love. Family is someone who loves you, unconditionally, through the good and bad times. 

2. Care. Family is someone who will also care for you. They will always put your feelings and well-being before their own.

3. Excitement. Family is someone who gets just as excited as you when you achieve your goals. They love to see you strive and achieve. 

4. Pride. Family is about pride. They are prideful that you are a part of their family, and they are the better for it. 

5. Compassion. Family is compassionate. They think of you before themselves. They want to make sure that you are happy and always enjoying life. Family puts your feelings before themselves. 

6. Being the boss. Family is about making sure you are on the right path in life. Their help guide you in your walk with faith just as much as your walk with success. You might not always like the answer, or what you are being told to do, but you know your family is just molding you into the person they think you should be. Your family just wants to see you become someone you are proud to be. 

7. Time. Family is about giving your time and effort to someone other than yourself. Your family gives you time -- time to get to know and love them. Your family also gives you time to make something of yourself and to learn from the things you do. 

8. Mistakes. Family is about a group of people who witness and endure each other's mistakes. They let you fail in order to let you learn on your own, but also to mold you into the person they want you to be. Mistakes are a good thing for families. It is a growing point in life. 

9. Arguments. Family is about the fusses and fights you have that make you closer. You may fight and bicker, but it gives you the relationship you have today. You have to fight the rough waters to be able to enjoy the ocean. 

10. Friendship. Family is about the friendships you make. Family is lifelong friends. Family may be blood, but to me, family is also those lifelong relationships you never forget and fight to never lose. Family is about wanting to be around one another, not being forced to be around one another 

11. Being harsh. Family is about being harsh. As a family, you never want to see a sibling or loved one fail. You are harsh to help them out. You tell your family when they make you angry, when they make stupid decisions, or when they hurt your feelings. Being a family is fighting through the hard times to enjoy the great times and your family's presence.     

I have plenty of blood relatives, but I have more adopted family. My mom passed away in April, due to unknown causes. The people who are a part of my family are the people who stood by my side and never left. They hold me when I am weak and raise me up when I am strong. They are my shoulder to cry on and have open ears any time of the day. To me, family is not just a blood connection, but it is also a love connection. Family is being in someone’s life, being their friend, and never walking out. Family is family; blood or not! I have been blessed with the biggest and best family possible!