I was an only child until I was 66 when DNA test results showed otherwise. I learned early on how to create family out of my friends. I have many sisters, and a few brothers in my “created from friends” family. This is a good life lesson for anyone, whether or not they have siblings.
I am an adoptive mom, so I know that the mother-child bond is the same whether the child is biological or chosen. We get the kids we are supposed to have however they come to us. I have other “kids, younger people to whom I am strongly connected–and they are part of my family too.
My husband and I are part of a group of families who met in the mid-1970’s when we were new to Upstate NY. Over the years we have celebrated births and marriages, mourned losses and shared countless meals with our chosen family. This feels like “how it is supposed to be”.
In this age of fractured families, DNA surprises and geographical separation, I am extremely grateful for all the ways “family” has showed up in my life.