family?

"blood is thicker than water"

A key concept and motto implanted into the mindset of many, yet how far does the saying stretch? I am a key advocator of family; they are one of the best support networks you can ever have. I mean, nothing can quite compare to your family. As someone who desires more time with extended family, I regularly find it incomprehensible how one can distaste family members. I experience my moments, like most, but they are family, right?

Yet, in thought, what is family? Would you classify it as those whom you share your blood and DNA with, as the saying suggests? or is it more...

In context, does a last name or heritage have real value to the word family? Throughout life we can encounter what many describe as 'second families'. Whether you meet them through school, work or your social life, people who choose to care and support you, are your family in one way or another.

Does the small difference in your genes, the content of the blood pumping through your veins, whether they be blood or water, does it really matter?

These days we have tightly bound the notion of family to that of blood cells, parents, siblings and relations. However, if you have no connection or relationship with typical 'family members', can they be considered as family at all?

The past months, I've come to the realisation of what a family is. Those who you are brought up to call family, whether they be parents, aunties or cousins, until they have proved and demonstrated to you their love and respect, they cannot earn that title. Furthermore, like friends or acquaintances they can be removed from your life and the simple birth relation they obtain to you shouldn't provide excuses for their actions or behaviour.

In today's modern era, we need to continue to dismantle stereotypes and outdated concepts. We are living in a constantly changing and adapting world, yet core values, attitudes and beliefs remain fixated in our minds. Whether it be as simple as families, each rejection fuels a thriving and co-existing future.

So I guess, the saying that blood is thicker than water should have been thrown out with the theory that the world was flat. Hence, blood is no better than water until each proves their worth.

OG