Blood may be thick but waters run deep

We've all heard the saying. Blood is thicker than water. But why exactly are we supposed to follow it? I have had some very nasty words for family members. More so than I have had for friends. I have had friends who have stood tall at my side during heart wrenching times when family has turned away. As an Army wife I have created bonds that many will never understand. When you go through the tough times a military wife can it's bound to happen. The "family" I created for myself does not have a single drop of blood in common. My best friend, who really should be called my sister, has been by my side for nearly 23 years. Through every stupid, sad, happy moment of my life. Besides my parents I can't say that about blood relatives. Friends know the real me. Family know who I was when I was 6. They dont make you who you are. YOU make you who you are. The adventures you take. The people you gather in your heart along the way. Not the people you are told you have to respect and love because they are so and so son. When my son passed away my friends were the one to watch my other children. He had more friends at his memorial then family. They were too busy to be there. Yes, actual words. I can not and will accept people who do drugs, drink way too much, and have a lack of heart for others to be my or my childrens legacy. The water that runs around me is filled with people who hold their heads high even when the chips are down. People who want to teach their children morals and manners. They have an understanding that life is not always fair but you make of it what you can. I love them for who they are because they love me for who I am. Now I can't forget the people who made me this way. Namely my Mother. Oh trust me I've done wrong in my life and I have never turned my back on someone just based on the fact they have. We all make mistakes. It's the constant lack of compassion that did it for me. But my Mom taught me to be strong and stand up for who I am and what I believe in. I am proud to be her daughter and live with the morals I have due to her. My temper may also be a reflection but it makes me stronger in my ways. Thank you to those who are my "family". You are a hodge podge of nuts, peace, fury, and laughter. Beautiful in your own way and graceful through lifes ups and downs. You help form my world and I am lucky to have you :)