For years I considered myself the "black sheep" of my family. The ex pulled me away from them, I missed family parties and gatherings, and really didn't have any kind of connection to anyone. After these last few days back with them, though, I know that's no longer the case. While things were rocky at first when I first left the ex, I was welcomed back with open arms. So this begs the question... does every family have a black sheep? Does this person know it's them?
My family wouldn't be what you'd call "typical", but, then again, in this day and age maybe it is. Christmas Eve was spent with my dad, step-mom (Darlene), my brother (Chris), his wife (Anne), their son (Sammy - 5), my sister (Jaime), her husband (Dave), my step-sister (Amanda), her husband (Courtney), their sons (Myles - 13 and Max - 9), Courtney's son CJ (27), and my step-brother's son (Nick - 8).
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| The Whole Family |
My step-brother (another Chris) was present for about a minute with his other son (Nate), but they didn't stick around. Now, as far as I'm concerned, Amanda is my sister. Our parents have been together since I was 11. Her brother, on the other hand... not so much. He's always been kind of on the outskirts of things and keeps himself that way. When he does show up (which is rare) he never even speaks to anyone. In fact, Nick's mom (Irene) is the one that is usually invited for Christmas Eve, but because Chris wanted to bring Nate this year, she couldn't stay the whole time. But regardless of blood, Amanda is my sister.
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| Amanda, Me, and Jaime |
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| This is what happens when your brother photobombs |
Blood doesn't make a family... connection does. And now that I've been able to really reconnect with my family, I don't want to lose that ever again. I never want to get to the point where I call myself the "black sheep" again. I love my family, every single person in that picture. Being pulled away from them and feeling like I no longer belonged was one of the hardest part of the abuse that was inflicted upon me.
I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday (whatever you celebrate or don't celebrate) with the people that you call family. Just remember, family is not always those that we grew up with or are related to by blood. Family is connection. Family is love.
Happy Holidays!
- Danielle
