Chosen Family

In my particular family of origin there are we three sisters, our parents having passed some years ago and each of our last names now reflecting our own branches of the family tree. We three sisters all started out here in Orange County, CA but we didn’t all end up here. One sister is living her best life out in Texas and the other is doing the same up in Washington state. I alone remain in the county where I came into existence and on many, many days I too feel that I’m absolutely living my best possible life.

I’ll say this, it’s an all too common thing to find oneself separated from family of origin, regardless of who moved and who stayed. The bonds remain though the flame may flicker at times. Whether it’s due to location or situation the connection continues unextinguished until death do us part.

While looking at this favorite photo of our happy little band of compadres (minus a few other members who could not be present) it warmly dawned upon me that there’s a term I’ve often searched for and could never really find until today. This is a photo of my “Chosen Family.” 

Nobody that becomes a constant and significant part of our life’s journey ever really replaces the blood and DNA of our family of origin. Throughout one’s lifetime doors open and close, new chapters are written, and the pages are turned on many an old chapter but the shared experiences, joys and the sorrows don’t go away simply because circumstances and locations change. They’re stored in the recesses. They’re forever part of our individual life’s fabric no matter where in heaven or on earth they may be.

And those who we celebrate with and gather with for life‘s many milestones can be called “framily” or some other such term but now that I’ve finally put my finger on it, this group will henceforth be known as my Chosen Family. 

So let it be written. So let it be done. 🥰