Thankful for Family in All Its Forms

Thanksgiving is approaching, and it is my favorite holiday. Less commercial than other holidays, its meaning is simple: Give thanks for life's blessings. It's got me thinking about family—the one I was born into, the one I built, and the one I've picked up along the way.

Family can mean many different things, and it's changed as I've gotten older. Family, as I see it, isn't just about who shares your last name; it's about the people who are there in the big moments and the everyday ones, too. It's anyone who makes life feel a little less heavy and a lot more meaningful.

The Family We're Born Into

For me, it all starts with my original crew: my dad and mom, my siblings, and my extended family. No matter how much time or distance comes between us, the connection runs deep. My parents have passed now, but it's a beautiful time to remember and honor them.

We don't always see each other as often as we'd like, but this bond picks up wherever we left off, like no time has passed. That sense of connection, knowing you have people out there who know you at your core, is something I'm grateful for every day.

The Family We Build

Then there's the family I made with my wife and our three boys. I can't say enough about what they mean to me. They are my world—the source of most of my laughs, love, and the occasional bit of chaos. 

My wife, in particular, has this gift of bringing me peace that I can't find anywhere else. She's the one who gives my life purpose and who keeps me grounded. She gives me peace and calms my world like no other.

If you've got a family like this, you know what I mean; life feels fuller with them around.

The Family We Choose

Of course, there's the family I chose—my friends. As we get older, our friend circles get smaller, but they get deeper, too. My close friends are my family in every way that matters. 

They're the ones I can talk to about anything, who aren't afraid to call me out when needed, and who've stuck by me through all the ups and downs. I have a special gratitude for them, a feeling of having found people who accept me as I am and make me better.

Grateful Reflections

So, at this time of year, I'm taking a moment to appreciate all these connections—those I was born into, those I built, and those I chose. My life is richer, more colorful, and simply better because of them.

Maybe take a moment to look at your own "family"—however you define it. Who are those people who've made your life brighter, steadier, or just more interesting? Thanksgiving's as good a time as any to let them know. Because, in the end, life's a whole lot better when we're grateful for the people who make it worth living.

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~ Steve