family is a funny thing

why is it that our family,
our place of origin,
our foundation,

the family that
changed our diapers,
fed us,
and clothed us

the ones that taught us
to talk,
read,
and to relate...

the family that has spent
money,
time,
and energy raising us

can know so little about us?

can hurt us so deeply?

can cut us to our core?

gross.
not cool.
ugh!

i now create family.

i have learned what i need.

i have treated friends the way i wish my family would treat me.

i love them well.

i celebrate who they are.

i take good care of them.

i like the family i have chosen to surround myself with.

i hope they feel loved, too.
because i love them very much.