Sometimes, families are not the traditional two parents, 2.5 kids and a dog.
My family is far from traditional and because of that, we are absolutely unique. My family consists of four parents and six children. Society defines us a blended family, one with parents and their children from previous marriages. I, on the other hand, just describe us as one big, crazy, happy family.
My parents got together when they were in high school and decided to have a family about five years after graduating. They had my older sister and I, and were married for over 10 years. My parents divorced when my sister was 12 and I was nine. A couple of years later, they both found another partner and were remarried. Enter: the stepparents.
Except "stepparents" isn't really a word we like to use in our house. I am lucky enough to have a second mom and dad rather than the evil stepparents you hear about in fairy tales. Not only are my second parents amazing, but they treat my sister and I as though we are theirs.
There is something powerful about seeing your parents fall in love - even if it is with someone else. There is something even more powerful to know that these people who are just coming into your lives are choosing to love you as one of their own.
But of course, this is not where the story ends. My dad and my second mom gave my older sister and I three incredible little siblings, two girls and one boy. My younger siblings are sassy little balls of personality and I could not imagine my life without them. Although we do not share the same mother, they are still my siblings and are some of the most important people in my life.
My last sibling ended up in our family when I was about to enter high school. She is my older sister's best friend, and once she came over, she never left. Although she has only been in our crazy family for seven years, she has never been treated as though that was the case. She has taught all of us how important it is to open your heart and home for anyone.
There are so many things that I have learned from being a part of a blended family. All four of my parents are best friends. From them, I have learned the true meaning of friendship and loyalty. From all of my siblings, I have learned what it means to be a sister and how important family is. From those who have commented on how weird we are, I have learned to put family first and to appreciate what I have. I thank my parents for everything they have done and continue to do to keep our family strong and connected.
As you can see, my family is far from the "traditional." Our story is complicated, but there are some things that are not. We love each other. It doesn't matter how we are or are not related; we are a team. We stay together in times of peace and in times of chaos. There is no other support system in my life that compares to my blended family. They are a reminder every day that blood is not what defines family, but rather, love.
