The Meaning of Family

The Meaning of Family

Brittannica.com defines family as “a group of persons united by the ties of marriage, blood, or adoption, constituting a single household and interacting with each other in their respective social positions, usually those of spouses, parents, children, and siblings.” Many of us define extended family as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. I contend that the traditional definition of family is inconsistent in this day and time. We need to look at and redefine family as anyone that is there for you in your time of need.
Family is more than just a connection; it is a feeling. That feeling is knowing and trusting that the other person “has your back”. You can always hear them in your mind saying, “I got you”, and they mean it. They stick with you through thick and thin, they are there for you no matter what and provide encouragement for you through the ups and downs of life. Are these actions those of a “family member”? I say “yes”.
We grow up with the family that we know through our parental connections but then there are those that we share our innermost feelings with, that we can trust to “not put our business in the streets” and they have no defined family connection, but they are indeed family. This is truly what family is about and sometimes there is no blood, marriage or adoption connection. It might be time to reframe the meaning of family to include those near and dear to us because they have earned, and they deserve the title of family. It you haven’t told them yet that they are family now would be a good time to do so. Let us continually appreciate those in our circle that always shine their light in our direction.
Marvin Dixon, Founder
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