The Ties That Bind

For those who love you..no questions asked...I call them, family...

My lifeline is in the kin I call my own…the bloodlines, both ancestral and chosen are woven into the tapestry of my very being. Their love, and support sustains me, and I consider myself so fabulously blessed.

As the world seems to be collapsing in chaos at times, I know that the simple, sweet echo of my husband’s laugh brings me pure joy. The way his eyes twinkle, and he loses his breath for just a moment is impressive. Exuberant emotion turned up to an escalated level, he lets out a sound so contagious, I can’t help but giggle in unison. I will never tire of his pleasurable nature, as it is one of the things that I found so intoxicating when we met.

My suns are famously comedic when brought together. One introvert, one extrovert, their humorous banter is magical, and rivals any stand up shenanigans as their back and forth word play pulls me in. Their love for one another, and for me, is like catnip, and I playfully find consolation in just being near them.

My first best friend, my beloved sister, is as witty as she is beautiful. Her one liners are legendary, and her advice is always sensible and with a dose of little sister sarcasm. I never leave her abode empty handed, as I think there is a rule in our sibling contract that requires that I come home with a heartfelt gift…every. damn. time. We’ve laughed till we snort, we’ve cried until our eyes ache, but through it all we know our love for God can pull us out of the depths, and it lifts us to the very heaven He calls home. She is my spirit animal.

To my beloved girlfriends who will put me in my proverbial place when needed without missing a beat. They sing my praises in their loud choir voices, and push me to reach the potential they know is full. I can be my unabridged self, hot mess and all, and they still love me without limits. They have talked me off numerous cliffs during some crazy life cycles, and for them, I am grateful.

The Matriarch. She is in a class all her own. Steely, unapologetic, and feisty. She will ask me how I am and I’d better answer truthfully, or she will call me multiple times a day to inquire if I’ve done something to make whatever “It” is better. She refers to me as my sister, and then realizes who I am. I have been called “whatever your name is” more times than I’d like to admit. I am still her little girl, and I let her boss me around all the time. Her adoration knows no bounds.

These are just a few souls of many who give me a soft place to lay my head and my heart. There arms have enveloped me my entire life, and I cherish the moments that we share. They masterfully bring light to the darkness, and harmony to the silence. I am so loved. They are my tribe. They are my people.

They are my family…