There’s an old saying that goes, “You can’t choose your family.” To me, that saying has never made sense. For as long as I can remember, people have joined my family. Friends of my parents joined us and never left. Since we were a small family, we couldn’t imagine leaving anyone alone at home during a special occasion. It was impossible for us to accept that anyone would be home alone on Christmas Eve. So, every year, more people joined the “family holiday tradition.” Some of them were just passing through, while others never left. The people I’ve always called “my uncle” and “my aunt” aren’t related by blood to each other or even to me. You can choose your family. We should have the right to decide who enters our lives and who we keep by our side for as long as possible.
There are all kinds of families. Some are very close-knit, while others are completely dysfunctional. We shouldn’t have to put up with toxic relationships. That’s the whole point of having the right to choose. I’ve put into practice what I’ve learned in my own little family! The people my children call “my aunt” or “my uncle” aren’t my siblings or my partner’s. They’re friends who are there for us, caring, and loving. No matter what projects, challenges, or obstacles we face, they’re there for us—and vice versa. Friends who, over time, have become solid pillars of our daily lives. People who have become confidants, resources, and even counselors!
Choosing who becomes a full-fledged member of the family allows us to build a solid and pleasant structure, a wonderful atmosphere, and endless love!
No drama, just happiness!
A special shout-out to “Aunt Zizabeth” and “Aunt Alexe”! To my kids, you’re the best aunts in the world!