Welcome to Day 2 of #write31days!
For more information check out the series’ page.
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It’s also Friday today, so I am linking up with my friends at Five Minute Friday.
When I hear family I used to think of the four other people who know me best.
Memories of my childhood coming to life before my inner eye.
Long debates and arguments. Of closing my door and hoping they would start fighting soon. Feelings of loneliness and despair.
Happy memories. Having breakfast together on a Saturday morning and talking until lunchtime.
Sitting crammed into one hotel room in the middle of nowhere in South Africa eating toast and peanut butter. We are exhausted from the long drive, but yet we break into a laugh because the whole thing is just too hilarious.
Lying on the floor holding my aching tummy. My sister next to me, in the same condition. My brother next to us, telling us more and more jokes in funny accents which makes us laugh even harder.
These people are my family. It was us five against the world.
A few months ago, this image has changed.
Friends of mine had a baby. They had been through a few rough patches before and seeing this baby for the first time was a miracle.
A few weeks later there was a card in my mailbox, asking “Will you be his Godmother?”
I was incredibly happy but also very much surprised.
Why did you pick me? Isn’t that normally something that family does?
The answer came back loud and clear.
“You are family, didn’t you know that?”
Well, now I do.
When I think of family now I see a much larger group of people.
Family is wherever people are willing to share their lives, with all its joys and messiness. Where we are allowed to just be and don’t have to clean up.
Where we are allowed to ask questions and don’t always have to answer, a place where we can think out loud.
Dealing with family and friends is often hard and sometimes we need to set boundaries. This is what the series is all about.
But before we dig deeper, take a moment and think about your family.
Who are the people God has placed around you? Your brothers and sisters, your friends? Where is the place that allows you to be yourself? Before you start complaining, be grateful for them.
thisiskatha.com 
This looks like a great series, Katha! It’s hard, sometimes, to create boundaries with family members. When Pedro had cancer, we actually had to keep his treatment location secret from everyone because his mom would have showed up and caused a ruckus and incredible stress for both of us. It’s no fun, but it’s necessary some times.
Oh wow, this sounds like a tough situation. You’re right, no fun but necessary.
Have fun writing this October!
THIS: ” Through reading other peoples’ blogs and leaving comments, and the same receipt of reads and comments, I have gotten to know some beautiful souls. I will definitely forget some if I try to list them…but you know that you touch my heart, friends. :)” So cool you get to be your friends child’s godmother. Parked in the 16 spot today
Thanks Tara!