Seven years ago, I moved out of my house, away from my family and came to Jacksonville. The idea of being on my own and independent was exactly what I wanted and needed. I felt moving away my mom, dad and brother would be just fine and the occasional visits and holiday get-togethers would be just enough time to spend and see.

Lately I have been thinking so much about this. When you move away from your family, do you ever get to move back? I do get jealous of the people who surround me who have their families here, in town- so holidays like Easter are just a drive across town- instead of over 2 hours on 95 South. Too often, life gets in the way and the time you want to be there with them, sometimes passes you bye.
So this is where I am very blessed. If you are lucky enough, you find yourself making “additional” families as you go through life.

In no way can I replace the one I have, absolutely not. They are the people who put up with me better than anyone ever could and support me more than they even know. Love them and miss them oh so very much!

Coming to school here began the makings for my family that consists of friendships. Through campus life, my sorority, dorms, apartments, late night studying and the numerous activities and situations you face in college- I did develop one form of family. Still seven years later we make time, not as often as we should, to have what we call “Family Dinners”. This group is incredible because of the diversity represented. Our conversations are never dull and the stories are always supplied in mass quantities because of all the different lives we lead and careers we are pursuing.

My next family- well not everyone can be so lucky. It is the family of where I work. My experience has been with jobs people either love it, or hate it; have close friends at work, or stay completely to themselves. Well staying to myself would just never work for me, so thank goodness that I am in the most perfect environment to foster a bond that allows me to have another family.

Recently I have reconnected with extended family and that experience has really meant a lot to me. Undiscovered family, who knew how fun that really could be until it happens to you.

Families can come in all shapes and sizes.

Lucky me :)