Family

I have a fairly different view of the world than most folks. I've known this for a while. One of the most obvious ways is my definition of family. In the Mormon religion and culture a huge emphasis is placed on family. Most members have large families. I am an only child so from the get go "family" has been a bit different for me.

But the funny thing is as I left home and explored the world I found there are all sorts of families. I am forever part of the Army family and its roots run deep.

I can find a fellow green anywhere it seems. I'm also part of the American family. I'm probably just fanatical enough in my patriotism to be dangerous. Being part of the Mormon family has been part struggle part blessing for me.

But the best family is my real family however that's a pretty fluid term. I still keep in contact in with several ex-boyfriend's families. I haven't spoken to them in years (or months) but I would I add their family to my handcart when push came to shove. I have friends I would put the bodies through the wood chipper for and gladly hijack a plane for, they are certainly my family.

I have an assortment of fabulous people I rarely speak to for various life reasons but who I know when the zombies come forth they will fight with me to the end. They are my family for sure. Then there are the odds and ends of people I love who don't fit a category but my world would be so much darker without. How can I have a family without them?!  Every family has the green bean casserole on its buffet.

(i'm not naming names but you weirdos know who you are)

And then we have the blood relatives. I've got parents who refuse to pay my therapy bills(hi mom!), a kiddo who may or may be drowned in the toilet before she is grown, assorted aunts, uncles, cousins and such and an ex-husband. Yep, the ex is still family.

See I like the ex. Its why I married him. He certainly didn't have any money. We used to "donate" plasma for money. We were never out of over draft the entire time we were married. I think we were generally about $500 negative every payday. his dad died, L just about killed me and then spent weeks in the NICU. I lost two jobs. Our first year I was in the ICU and almost died. Fun times for all! So after all that how can you not still be family?

We've been divorced a long time now. It's interesting to see the changes and how we've grown. He is re-married and has another daughter. I know the good and bad of being married to him so I often chuckle. I think it is probably harder for her. She isn't American and I know how non-American wives are treated on military bases. I loved being a military wife.

So the ex-husband is forever a part of my family and because of that his wife and other child are too. So to Natasha's family in Russia who are following, Hello :) we're all family here. There is enough love for everyone and I always make too much food. We have games and beds and everyone is welcome :)  I love my family and love adding to it.