When someone asks me to describe my family, I respond with “There is my mom, my dad, my brother and my sister.” I never feel a need to go beyond that. However, there are so many more people that I consider my family—blood-related or not. There are even some people I am blood-related to that I would not consider family. Family is about the people you love and those who love you back. There are many people who I would take a bullet for because I consider them family.

I should start with how much I love my immediate family. My mom and dad raised me to be the best person I can be and I am so grateful that they did. They loved me unconditionally and taught me right from wrong. I love them so much and forget to thank them for what a wonderful job they are doing. My siblings and I are not always the nicest to each other, but that is what siblings are for, right? We constantly bicker and disagree but when you get down to it, I love them. I would stand up for them in a heartbeat if I had to and I know they would do the same for me.

Extended family (grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins) are some people I would go to the end of the world for. Grandparents are always there for you no matter what you need and mine certainly have. They would drop anything to give you what you want or need. Grandparents are the epitome of family that will love and care for you without a doubt. Aunts and uncles are some of the people I looked up to as I grew up and continue to see as role models now. They don’t raise you in the same way your parents may have but they are always around through your learning stages. Everyone tells me I am exactly like my Aunt and I am not ashamed or embarrassed about that. Cousins grow up to be your best friends. From the start, they were there. Cousins have the most inside jokes between each other and still get them 10+ years later. They love you through the awkward middle school years and support whatever you choose to do with your life.

More people I consider family are my friends. Especially the ones I met at college. Even though I have only known them for less than two years, I am closer to them than I ever was with any of my high school friends. They would do close to anything for me as I would to for them. Last year, as a freshman, I was assigned a random roommate and it was the best thing that happened to me. We became best friends and basically family. The friends I have made in my major have also been like family to me. We fight like siblings and still manage to like each other. They have seen me at my best and worst times and still accept me for who I am.

I know I am not the only one who considers my pets to be family. My dogs and my bird are the most loving creatures I have ever known. They don't judge you if you are having a bad hair day and they can't talk back. Pets love unconditionally. I would do anything for my pets. Recently, someone asked me to pick three things to save if my house was burning and I told them that I would save my three pets without a doubt. I love them and miss them like crazy when I am school.

I do not consider all of my blood relatives "family." Of course by dictionary definition they are, but according to me, unless you care and would do your best to be a part of my life, you aren't family. I know I can't push all of the blame on others, because as an adult I could very well reach out. However as a kid, I was unable to do this. I haven't talked to some of my aunts and uncles in 10 years or so. I would love to consider them family but when no contact has been made between our families in 10 years, I don't think I can. As a twenty year old, my family has become very important to me. I am out of my childish teenage years and want to reconnect with people. So, if my "family" that hasn't talked to me in ten years reads this, please know that I am not bitter, I just want our "family" to turn to family.

Family is a broad topic and can consist of so many different people (or pets). I love my family more than words can say.