We are Family

I learned a lot about my 'family' this week. I have always had a very supportive family... my husband, my daughter, my mom, dad, sister, in-laws, etc., and I am forever grateful for all of them. But this week, my family got much bigger. My family also includes the people that are around at a moments notice when needed, the people that over the years, have helped us move, driven us to the airport, painted walls in our house. They are the people that I run half-marathons with, the people I call for parenting advice, the people I work with and play with and travel with. They are the women that I admire that are amazing mothers and support each other at the hardest job we will ever have. They are the men that take care of us and love us and make us feel safe. They are the children that make us smile and keep us young and give us hope. They are the people that I have spent the last 7 years with for Thanksgiving and Christmas. They are all the people who gathered yesterday to say good-bye to our dear friend, our brother. They are the people that shared tears and laughter in rememberence. They are the people that, in the years to come, will try to help fill the empty space. They are the people who will continue to support each other in good times and bad. They are my family.