Let’s start off with the definition of family.
Noun:
- A group consisting of parents and children living together in a household.
- All the descendants of a common ancestor.
Adjective:
- designed to be suitable for children as well as adults.
Not pictured in definition: People who have chosen to love you endlessly, to put you above themselves and who always have your back. This includes, but is not limited to, those who are immediately related to you, those living under the same roof / those who are not, and those who are willing to share the last slice of pie with you.
For these reasons, and for many more, my family will always be my “ride or die."
Now, when I say this, I’m not suggesting that you literally ride your family, or you die. I’m saying that my family will always be my number one priority, supporters and choice. If I was given the option to choose between a lifetime supply of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, or my family; I’d choose my family every time -- and together we’d stuff our faces with some moderately priced Häagen-Dazs.
But in all honesty, family is so important. They’re the people that have been there for your biggest accomplishments and your hardest falls. They have seen you at your worst and have still managed to love you unconditionally. They showed you you’re worth, which in turn lead to how you should be treated, and are not afraid to go after anyone who treats you otherwise.
Your family will be the only people willing to participate in a 24-hour binge watching Netflix party, a 10-plus hour road trip, an embarrassing rendition of all three of Adele’s albums and much more.
Your family will be the only people willing to stay with you post-breakup, post-test failing, post-breakdown and post-impulse decision.
Your family will be the only people willing to love you unconditionally, with all of their hearts and till death do us part -- and then some.
Beginning to see the pattern here?
Family isn’t just about the labels and the blood line. It’s about who has been there for you -- for better or for worse, who has worked hard to make you smile every day and who has given you their 100 percent, despite whatever hardships they are facing.
As people, we are all entitled to respect those around us. However, as individuals, we are allowed to choose what that means. For example, as my own person, I wish nothing more than to show the world true love and kindness.
As a college student, I wish nothing more than to be closer to my family.
As a daughter, I wish nothing more than to show the world that I am a product of my amazing mother.
As a sister, I wish nothing more than to pave the way for my siblings, and to be there to hold their hands.
As a friend, I wish nothing more than to hold them up when they no longer can walk alone.
As a girlfriend / partner, I wish nothing more than to show them their worth each and every day.
And as a family, I wish nothing more than to love them as unconditionally as they love me.
My family is my everything. Without them, I would not be where I am today. I trust them, I love them and I will always sacrifice my body in order to save them from eating the last slice of cake.
“Ohana means family, and family means nobody gets left behind.” -- "Lilo and Stitch"
