Blood Thicker Than Water??? You Decide!!

I've been on this Earth for almost 62 years. One thing I've learned is that people cannot survive alone. My Mother often said to me "I don't need anyone." Do you realize how much that statement can hurt a person? Anyway, she did end up needed someone, and I think I was that person was me -- more often than anyone. But she was my Mother; that was my duty --being there for her. I wouldn't go back and change that for anything.

That being said, time has taught me a few things. Some people say blood is thicker than water. Some people disagree and say you can pick your friends, but not your relatives. Well, maybe both statements are true. In my life I've had an abundance of friends. I have a small family and I came late in life so my relatives are few and far between. I was the youngest of five siblings and 13 years spanned me and the next offspring. This made for a lonely existence ... sort of an only child; but not. I know this much -- I would have traded with anyone to have a sibling my own age both growing up, and now. This is certainly why I'd never advocate an only child. It might seem like a wise decision financially; but is it always in the best interest of the child? I have a relative who is an only child and she is now very convinced that all of the burden of "being there" for her parents has come down to only her. She has no one to turn to. I may have only two children and they may be worlds and miles apart in both distance and thoughts...but one thing I do know; when times are really tough, they know they have a sibling somewhere on this Earth.

I was the only remaining child in the geographical area when my Father became very ill. My "independent" Mother never learned to drive. Who do you think she depended on? After battling Alzheimers Disease, my Father took a gun to his head. Who do you think my Mother depended on? And late in life when dementia took what was left of her independence away, who do you think she depended on?

Now, like I said, I've had lots of friends. They come and they go. But relatives are still there whether you like them or not. Nine chances out of ten, you can depend on them when the going gets rough. Yes, blood is thicker than water. (it has platelets - LOL) BUT, the point I am trying to make (and I do include in-laws as relatives, too) -- is that your family should always be important to you. Hold them close, pray for them, and even if you are miles away or across the street, keep that relationship nearby in your heart. Some day when you are 61, you'll yearn for it.

Take care, and God bless.