family

when i was 6 years old, my mother married a man who would become my father.
this is a somewhat sensitive subject to write about- as, i also have a relationship with my biological dad and it is not my intention to offend either father in my life- both have equal parts in my upbringing, in very different ways.

my father came into our lives with an extended family.
it was a package deal- he has 5 siblings. every one of those aunts and uncles and their families have impacted and shaped my life in different ways.

but the real icing on the cake was the grandmother i got out of the deal.
memere became my grandmother- instantly, in the blink of a 6 year old eye.

i am the 3rd eldest grandchild from (a quick and likely inaccurate count,) 17??
and although i was "adopted" into the family, i've never felt anything but love and acceptance here.

i have no memory of meeting my grandmother, instead, i was simply assimilated into this chaotic, fun, loving, and somewhat crazy family whose matriarch is a strong, ever-smiling, tall, quick-witted woman who i am proud to call memere.

today, her kids, (coordinated by her eldest daughter) threw her a surprise 80th birthday party. -and i got to be here.

it was wonderful.

it was a reaffirmation for me that family is bound by no limits. there are no edges, there is nothing concrete.
there is only the human connection over time, evolving, changing and growing.

today, i am grateful.