Blood relationships do not define what a family is. Family is always there for you when you need them. They do not abandon you when times get rough. They put your needs before theirs. You will argue and disagree but they are always going to love you and that will never change.
My "Step-Father" came into my life when I was about two years old. He married my mom and he took me in as one of his own. There was no question in his mind as to whether or not he could love me as much as a biological child. My mom and me came as a package deal and he accepted that and fully embraced it.
Growing up, I obviously had questions about my biological father. Children are curious in general and I was no exception to that. I really just wanted to know why my biological father had abandoned me. I felt like maybe if I had been a better baby then I could have made him stay (which is crazy looking back on it). Anyways, my dad was never upset or angry when I mentioned this mysterious other dad. He was always kind and patient. He understands me and he never resented the fact that we weren't related by blood.
I don't refer to my "Step-Father" as a Step-Father. I simply call him Dad because he is my dad. He has always treated me as his child and he is the only father figure I have in my life. I learned from him and he raised me. He changed my diapers. He took turns feeding me. He taught me how to ride a bike. He taught me how to drive. He helped me figure out how to apply for college. He supports me financially. I would not be the young women I am today if he had not been around to show me the way.
Biology is only important in families when you're dealing with medical histories. Genes do not determine a family. They do not determine who you are supposed to live with or associate with. Love makes a family. If they love you and treat you how a father or parent should then they deserve to be called mom or dad.
So thank you to my dad for always loving me. Even though we aren't connected by blood we are connected by something much stronger... love.
My advice for everyone out there would be to not get so hung up on whether or not you are biologically related. Families are diverse and made up of many different components. If they love you and take care of you, they are your family.
