"The love of family is life's greatest blessing" 

 

What is family? Is it the people we share the same blood with, the same genealogy, the same heritage? Or can family be the people we choose to surround ourselves with during holidays, when times get tough and when support needs given? Family is a complex word that is defined so many ways that Webster gives it a general definition: A group of people united by certain convictions or a common affiliation. By that definition, family can be friends, pets, coworkers, etc. Who are your family members?

My personal family is quite unique in that I have a biological family and a chosen family. I was raised with a large extended biological family, none of which lived close. For this, many of my cousins aren't as well known to me as I would like to consider under the title "cousin". Its hard to get to know someone and form a bond with relatives who live plane rides away, but we have done our best.

Our family moved to Webb City when I was in 4th grade and I instantly became best friends with Whitney, who played softball and lived a scooter ride away from me. Our families instantly became one, our mothers practically sisters. We share every Christmas Eve, birthday, anniversary, graduation and celebration together as a family. I call them my chosen family because although Whitney has been my friend since childhood, our families chose to form one cohesive (and sometimes dysfunctional) family. 

Today, my chosen family sent one of our best to heaven. My grandpa Bud, the fire engine master, tootsie pop loving, kindest man in the world went to be with all our other relatives in a land of pain free living. Alzheimer's stole his brain many years ago and its been a tough struggle for our family to live through, but as any family would do, we bonded together and did what we had to for Grandpa. Although I'm sad I couldn't be there to be with him as he left our world, I know he is in good hands now. 

My wonderful cousin had the bright idea of Skyping me into the funeral service today. I cannot explain the joy it brought to me to feel like I was sitting right there with my family as we said our goodbyes. I think technology is talking over our lives in an often negative way, but today I couldn't of been more grateful for technology. I got to see a beautiful slide show and hear a powerful sermon, all while my family was right there. 

Grandpa Bud, we are going to miss you, but we know you are in a place of happiness with no pain. As the pastor said today, you exchanged that old body and mind in today for a bright, shiny, new body in heaven. Rest in peace, love you always!

Grandpa loved his Webb City Cardinals

Mom, Cheyann, Whitney and Aunt Kim

The cousins (minus Molly and I)